THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS by

Susan Coyne

(Based on the book: The Man Who Invented Christmas By Les Standiford)

December 1, 2016 Shooting Script December 16, 2016 Blue Revisions January 5, 2017 Pink Revisions January 8, 2017 Yellow Revisions Producers: Robert Mickelson Mystic Point Productions 310-450-1435 Vadim Jean, Ian Sharples The Mob Film Co Tel: +44 (0) 20 3535 8969 Paula Mazur, Mitchell Kaplan Mazur/Kaplan Company 310-450-5838 The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 1

THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS FADE IN: 1 CARD: NEW YORK CITY. JUNE. 1841 1 In darkness we hear: DICKENS (V.O.) Dear Forster... How can I give you the faintest notion of my reception here in America? 2 OMIT 2 3 OMIT 3 4 INT. DRESSING ROOM - CONTINUOUS 4 A STAGE MANAGER knocks and calls out in a Brooklyn accent: STAGE MANAGER (O.S.) Five minutes...five minutes Ink stained fingers fumble with silver CUFF LINKS. A pair of BOOTS is smartly buffed. A brightly coloured SILK SCARF is adjusted. DICKENS (V.O.) Of the crowds that pour in and out the whole day; of the people that line the streets when I go out... In the mirror, the writer (CHARLES DICKENS) looking like an English rock star in his prime (silk blouse, tight trousers, velvet jacket), fusses with the locks on his forehead, then steps back and regards himself critically. DICKENS (V.O.) ....of the balls, dinners, speeches, parties, assemblies without end. There never was a king or Emperor upon the Earth, so cheered. He breaks into a wide grin. DICKENS ‘Ello, Charlie. Another knock at the door breaks the moment. STAGE MANAGER (O.S.) Places, please. Places. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 2

DICKENS (V.O.) I have had deputations from the Far West, who have come from more than two thousand miles distance. 5 INT. PARK THEATER. CORRIDOR & STAGE- CONTINUOUS 5 Dickens moves along the corridor. The sounds of the crowd stomping their feet and clapping their hands gets louder as he nears the stage. DICKENS (V.O.) They come from the lakes, the rivers, the back-woods, the log- houses, the cities, factories, villages and towns- A PRESENTER is making a flowery introduction on stage. The sound of the crowd is deafening. PRESENTER ....The great magician of our time, whose wand is a book. The Shakespeare of the novel. The people's author. Dickens reaches the wings. He breathes in deeply through his nose, steadying himself. He nods at the Stage Manager. STAGE MANAGER Ready? DICKENS Ready. PRESENTER (O.S.) ... the one and only, the inimitable, the great and marvellous Boz! Ladies and gentlemen- Mr. Charles Dickens! The stagehands raise the curtain. Dickens takes a deep breath and steps into the light. At the sight of him, the audience rises to its feet as one. Behind him “TABLEAUX VIVANTS” appear, depicting sights and scenes of London, Beef Eaters roll out canons, characters from Oliver Twist come to life, urchins dance along to the band. Dickens taking this in. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 3

DICKENS (V.O.) Americans are friendly, earnest, hospitable, kind, frank, accomplished, warm-hearted, fervent and enthusiastic... Uncertainly, he raises his arms above his head. The crowd goes wilder still, BLANKETING the stage with flowers and SCREAMING “BOZ, BOZ, BOZ”. Dickens attempts to speak to the crowd. DICKENS Dear friends, you have welcomed me to your country with such open arms that I fear that I- But his speech is cut off by a deafening volley as the cannons behind him fire ticker tape into the air. Dickens shrinks, covering his ears. DICKENS (V.O.) I can't wait to get home. 6 OMIT 6 TITLE CARD: LONDON, OCTOBER, 1843 SIXTEEN MONTHS LATER 7 INT. DICKENS STUDY - MORNING 7 Dickens sits at his desk, pen in hand, in front of a blank piece of paper, as if willing something to appear. After a moment, he throws the pen down and gets up to look in the mirror, making a face. He picks up an ACCORDION and plays a few squeaky NOTES. DICKENS (sings) Yanky doodle, doodle dandy Turn right round in the bottom of the gangy– There is a tentative KNOCK at the door. He throws it open in frustration. DICKENS (CONT’D) Mrs. Fisk. I have told you repeatedly not to disturb me when I’m working. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 4

MRS. FISK, the housekeeper, a rather severe Scotswoman, is taken aback. MRS. FISK I beg your pardon sir. Only, Mr. Forster is here. Beat. DICKENS I’ll be right down. 8 INT. DICKENS HOUSE/HALLWAY - MORNING 8 The front hall is full of workmen, including the energetic SIGNOR MAZZINI, who is busy directing traffic, as various of the DICKENS CHILDREN run in and out of the chaos. SIGNOR MAZZINI Adesso! Subito! Veni qui! Kate gives a tour to Dickens’ friend and de facto literary manager, JOHN FORSTER -- a big, pleasant-looking man with a Geordie accent. KATE You see, Mr. Forster, we’re having all new wallpaper. French. New doors, new roller blinds for the windows, new book-cases in the library, all chosen by Charles, of course. And the staircase is to be painted green (to Signor Mazzini) — though not too dull a green, Signor Mazzini. SIGNOR MAZZINI Si, si. Capice. KATE (to Forster) You know how Charles is. FORSTER The best is good enough for me! KATE I wish he’d redecorate that study of his. It’s like an animal’s den. But he won’t let anyone touch it! Two workmen pass between them carrying a large chandelier. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 4A

Workman Scusi. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 5

KATE Mr. Forster. If you will allow me: how do things stand between you and Miss Wigmore? FORSTER Splendid, Mrs. Dickens. In fact, I intend to ask her to bestow upon me the greatest happiness a man can ever know. Kate stares at him, uncomprehending. FORSTER (CONT’D) To marry me. KATE Oh! She embraces him, causing him to flush a deep crimson. KATE (CONT'D) I am very glad to hear it. Dickens comes thundering down the stairs. DICKENS Forster. Good Lord. I completely lost track of the time. Kate puts out a hand. KATE Charles. We need to pay Signor Mazzini. For the parlour mantle. DICKENS How much? SIGNOR MAZZINI Seventy-five pounds. Dickens staggers back. DICKENS Seventy-five — what is it made of, gold? SIGNOR MAZZINI Carrara marble, Signor. Finest quality. No gentleman would accept less. Beat. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 6

DICKENS I’ll have the money for you when I return, Signor Mazzini. Dickens turns to Forster. DICKENS (CONT’D) Shall we? Forster bows to Kate. FORSTER Good day, Mrs. Dickens. KATE Good day, Mr. Forster. Dickens is nearly out the door, where a WORKMAN is busy attaching a shiny new knocker. FORSTER I’ll hail us a cab. DICKENS Waste of money. We’ll walk. FORSTER Walk? Are you mad? Dickens rushes out, followed by Forster. They head down the street at pace, the London skyline in the distance. DICKENS The best way to lengthen our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose. 9 OMIT 9 10 INT. CHAPMAN AND HALL. OUTER OFFICE - DAY 10 A publishing house in The Strand. In the outside office, a nervous young CLERK listens to a heated conversation in the other room. FORSTER (O.S.) Gentlemen, we don’t seem to understand one another. I asked you a simple question: where is the money? CHAPMAN (O.S.) The money, Mr. Forster— The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 7

FORSTER (O.S.) Yes. Money. You know: Pounds, shillings, stumpy, shiners, joeys— A huge CRASH, then silence. The clerk winces. 11 INT. CHAPMAN AND HALL. INNER OFFICE - DAY 11 Forster stands by an overturned tea trolley. Crockery everywhere. He gestures apologetically at the two publishers, CHAPMAN (rather portly and florid ) and HALL (tall and angular). FORSTER I do apologize. He attempts to pick up the broken crockery. FORSTER (CONT’D) Bull in a china shop. CHAPMAN Please don’t trouble yourself. Forster resumes his tirade. FORSTER Charles Bloody Dickens! The best- selling bloody author in the history of English bloody literature — He gestures towards Dickens. Dickens’ lips are pressed together, his attention on a magazine publication. The headline on it reads “Martin Chuzzlewit, A Tedious Journey.” FORSTER (CONT’D) Three of his books you’ve published in the last year and a half. Three. So— where is the money? CHAPMAN Mr. Forster. Like you, we are as Puzzled as the Egyptians in their Fog. FORSTER Howzat? HALL The Excitement with which a Popular Reputation is Kept up to the Highest Selling Mark will always be Subject to Lulls too Capricious for Explanation. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 8

FORSTER Ahm still not followin’. CHAPMAN —Martin Chuzzlewit— a Masterpiece of the Picaresque Genre— and Yet— HALL Barnaby Rudge— a Fine Book— an Important Subject— But— alas— CHAPMAN And The Travel book— “American Notes”— HALL Perhaps— a Little Too Candid for our American Cousins— FORSTER No joke. I heard they were burning copies in the streets. Forster notices Dickens pained look. FORSTER (CONT’D) Mad as snakes, the Yanks. Forster renews his attack. FORSTER (CONT’D) And what about this fifty pounds a month you’re withholding from his royalties? What’s the explanation for that? The two publishers squirm uncomfortably. Chapman produces the contract and peers at it to cover his nervousness. HALL You May Remember that when Mr. Dickens Approached us about the Tour to America, we were Pleased to Provide Him with an Interest-Free Loan — He falters. Chapman continues. CHAPMAN With the Provision That— In the Unlikely Case of Profits being Inadequate to Certain Repayments— Forster erupts. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 9

FORSTER Oh, divven’t hoy me that ket, you sackless mairks. The publishers exchange glances. FORSTER (CONT’D) So, he’s had a few flops, who hasn’t? Your publishing house wouldn't exist without this man! Chapman gives Dickens a nervous look. CHAPMAN Actually, we do have a Suggestion— HALL – very Popular with the Reading Public — CHAPMAN Perhaps Mr. Dickens might consider— HALL — and a lot of Money to be Made in– CHAPMAN — a Railway Edition of his works? Dickens is frowning. FORSTER You’re not serious? Those cheap yellow-backed jobs? With adverts for fig syrup on the cover? They all watch as Dickens gets to his feet. He turns the magazine publication over to obscure his bad Chuzzlewit review. DICKENS What about an advance? CHAPMAN -- on? DICKENS (bluffing) ...A new book. HALL You have a New Book in mind? FORSTER Of course he does... The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 10

CHAPMAN Well, in that case, obviously. We’d Love to Consider it... DICKENS Consider it? HALL That is to say, If we Like it-- DICKENS If? CHAPMAN I’m sure we will-- DICKENS Gentlemen. I bid you good day. He sweeps out of the room. CHAPMAN Mr. Forster: Please. We had no Intention of Causing Offense. FORSTER Ay. He’s in a fettle now. Give him a day to calm down — HALL And then... It's Most Awkward... “He” was in last week. In some Difficulty. Again. FORSTER No, that’s not possible. He’s in the countryside. Under strict instructions to remain there. Beat. FORSTER (CONT’D) What is it this time? Chapman hands him a letter and an envelope. FORSTER (CONT’D) (reading) “...need money immediately or productive of fatal consequences... I beseech you to do the needful...” Forster shakes the envelope, causing several SLIPS OF PAPER to fall out, each one torn from a letter, each with a signature: Charles Dickens. Forster makes a face. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 11

HALL He’s been Offering Mr. Dickens’ Autographs for Sale in the Newspapers. FORSTER How much did you give him? CHAPMAN Forty-five, All Told. FORSTER Forty-five! — I’ll pay you back for it. Not a word of this to Charles, do you hear? 12 EXT. GARRICK CLUB - AFTERNOON 12 A Georgian building near Covent Garden, once a private house, now a gentlemen’s club, with a brass plate beside the door: THE GARRICK CLUB. And underneath, the motto: “ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE.” FORSTER rushes in, umbrella in hand. 13 INT. GARRICK CLUB. DINING ROOM - AFTERNOON 13 A cozy dining room, typical of a Victorian men’s club. Beside the bar, a group of SMART YOUNG MEN are gathered, gossiping and making quips. At the centre of the group is a tall fellow with a braying laugh (WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY). Dickens stands by the cloak room, holding a newspaper in front of his face. FORSTER (O.S.) Charles? Dickens folds down a corner of the newspaper. DICKENS Shhh... FORSTER What are you doing over here? Dickens gestures towards the group. DICKENS I’m hiding. From Thackeray. He’ll want to commiserate with me on my Chuzzlewit reviews. Which he will quote by heart. Forster walks into the dining room. Dickens scuttles after him, taking care not to be seen by Thackeray. Forster grabs a chair and cranes his head around. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 12

FORSTER Where’s Robertson? I’m clammin’ for some scran. Dickens slinks into another chair. DICKENS Why do we come here? The service is terrible. The food is inedible. And the fees keep going up — An elderly WAITER appears and bows low, losing his balance. He fixes his gaze somewhere above their heads. WAITER Gentlemen? FORSTER You’re not Robertson. WAITER The name is Marley, sir. DICKENS Marley? Dickens gets out a pencil and a notebook. DICKENS (CONT’D) With an e? The waiter’s eyes flicker with apprehension. WAITER Yes, sir. FORSTER Don’t worry. He collects names. Let’s have some oysters. And a bottle of champagne. WAITER Very good, sir. The waiter exits, at a stately pace. DICKENS Champagne? FORSTER We’re celebrating. THACKERAY (O.C.) Celebrating? The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 13

Thackeray has somehow materialized at their table, an evil glint in his eyes. DICKENS Thackeray. How are you? THACKERAY Tolerable I thank ye. Charles. I must say, I’m relieved to see you out and about. DICKENS Relieved? THACKERAY You know. After those vile things they wrote about Chuzzlewit. I won’t even call them reviews. DICKENS No matter, I never read them. Forster shoots him a skeptical look. THACKERAY Quite right. Scandalous, what one is allowed to print nowadays. He waits. Dickens grits his teeth. DICKENS Why? What did they say? THACKERAY “Dull, vapid, and vulgar... Not a single character capable of exciting the reader's sympathy.” (beat) I certainly didn’t think it was vulgar. Dickens gives him a tight smile. THACKERAY (CONT’D) Oh, look! There’s Macready. Poor thing. His Macbeth was absolutely shredded in The Times. I must go and give him my condolences. Thackeray wafts away to rejoin the group at the bar. DICKENS I’m sick of London. Over-crowded, over-priced-- The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 14

FORSTER –You love this town– DICKENS – no place for a man without money. Not to mention the bloody fog-- FORSTER It’s your inspiration. You’re what- do-you-call it? Magic lantern. The waiter arrives. He opens the bottle with some difficulty, then bangs a plate of oysters down on the table and leaves. DICKENS I tell you, Forster, my lamp’s gone out. I’ve run out of ideas. I feel old. FORSTER Old. Whssht. You’re a puppy. Forster pours some champagne. FORSTER (CONT’D) You’re exhausted, that’s what. Too many speeches. DICKENS I’ve got one tomorrow, for the Children’s Refuge. FORSTER You have to learn to say no. DICKENS How can I? If I can be useful. FORSTER You’ll have to. What with your new commission. DICKENS Forster, I just told you— He stops himself. DICKENS (CONT’D) — what commission? FORSTER From Chapman and Hall. For your next book. Forster grins and hands him a cheque. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 15

FORSTER (CONT’D) I told them you’d have the first chapter by the end of the year. You like a deadline. Dickens stares at him. DICKENS Do you mind telling me what it's about? FORSTER Oh, I leave that up to youse. He grins and helps himself to the oysters. 14 INT. STUDY - NIGHT 14 Dickens goes through a complicated pre-writing ritual: straightening everything on his desk, paper, ink, pen knife, quills; then rapidly touching his desk ornaments one by one: a CUP with fresh flowers in it, a pair of BRONZE TOADS, a RABBIT, and a CERAMIC MONKEY. He places a blank sheet in front of him, dips his pen in ink, then stares at the paper, once again willing something to appear. INK drips slowly from the pen onto the page. He hears a strange, unearthly cry coming from nearby. VOICE (O.S.) Ul-ul-alul-alu! He opens the door, listening. 15 INT. DICKENS HOUSE. NURSERY - NIGHT 15 Dickens descends the stairs to the nursery. A young nursemaid, TARA is telling a bedtime story to the children in a soft Irish lilt. TARA ... And on Christmas Eve, they say, the fairy mounds open wide, and the fire spirits pour into the night... and then the Lord of the Dead leads all of the spirits in a Wild Hunt. And he calls to them... She throws back her head. TARA (CONT’D) Ul-ul-alul-alu! The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 16

CHARLIE age 10, Dickens’s oldest son, shivers with excitement and dread. Dickens lingers a moment, mesmerized. 16 INT. DICKENS BEDROOM - NIGHT 16 Dickens is in bed, going through the accounts book, while Kate reads a book called Roughing it in the Bush. DICKENS Do we have a new housemaid? KATE What? Oh, yes. Tara. She’s Irish. Charley adores her. The candle sputters. She lights a new one. DICKENS What are you doing? She shows him the stub of the old candle. KATE It was only a stub. DICKENS There’s another hour in that. KATE Oh, really, Charles. DICKENS If you carry on like this, we’ll end up in the Poor House. Kate laughs. KATE You are funny. DICKENS I’m not joking. KATE Charles. You give money to any and every beggar on the street. You insist on moving to a bigger house, and order all new fixtures, and then you complain about a new candle. Dickens speaks with a fervid intensity. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 17

DICKENS I know whereof I speak, Kate. Debt is — an ogre. If you’re not careful it can eat you up. Beat. KATE Are we in trouble? DICKENS No. Of course not. KATE Then what — ? DICKENS Nothing. Beat. DICKENS (CONT’D) I’m sick of writing tooth and nail for bread, that’s all. Kate has heard this before. She goes back to her book. KATE Mmmm... DICKENS I should have become a journalist. KATE You hate the press. DICKENS Or a lawyer. KATE “The law is an ass.” I believe you wrote that. DICKENS A hairdresser, then. In the Burlington Arcade. “Hair Shampooed on the Oxford system.” Kate smiles. KATE Do you know what I should have liked to be? Referring to her book— The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 18

KATE (CONT’D) An explorer. Paddling a canoe. Somewhere in the wilds of Canada. In a pair of buckskin breeches... All on my own... No nappies to change... She glances at Dickens, lost in his own thoughts. KATE (CONT’D) By the way, dear... I saw the doctor today. This gets his attention. DICKENS Not- another Little Stranger? She smiles. KATE Are you pleased? Beat. DICKENS Of course! Splendid. He stares straight ahead for a moment, then blows out the light. FLASHBACK: 17 INT. DICKENS CHILDHOOD HOME - EVENING 17 A match flares and touches the wick of a magic lantern. VOICE (O.S.) And now for this year’s Christmas present! Above it, the genial face of a middle-aged man appears,(whom we will come to know as JOHN DICKENS). He is dressed in the elaborate headdress of a stage magician. MR. DICKENS I am the necromancer, Rhia Rhama Rhoos, educated cabalistically in the Orange Groves of Salamanca. Behold! He CLAPS his hands, theatrically. YOUNG CHARLES (AGE 10) and his six brothers and sisters are settled in front of a sheet hanging from the clothes horse. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 19

Behind them we can see a table set for Christmas dinner with holly and mistletoe. Mr. Dickens slips a painted slide into the magic lantern and an image appears on the sheet: an angel, hovering above a group of shepherds. CHILDREN Ohhh... Then, a bearded hunter, with a stag over his shoulder. CHILDREN(CONT’D) Ahhh.... Then, Aladdin and his lantern. CHILDREN(CONT’D) Hooray! On the faces of the children, there is a look of utter enchantment, but most particularly Young Charles. A terrifying ghost appears next. Young Charles covers his face with his hands. YOUNG CHARLES No. Go away. Mr. Dickens puts his hand on the young boy’s head to comfort him. Mr. DICKENS It’s all right, Charlie. I’m here. You’re safe. Young Charles climbs into his father’s arms. MR. DICKENS (CONT’D) Here. Now. I’ll show you how to get rid of bad spirits. Ready? They CLAP their hands together. The light on the magic lantern goes out, and the Ghost disappears. 18 INT. BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING (PRESENT) 18 Dickens awakes from his dream. Beside him, Kate sleeps peacefully. 19 INT. PARLOUR - MORNING 19 The Dickens children, Charley, MAMIE (age 5), KATE (4), WALTER (age 3) line up for inspection. Dickens bowls in using a different voice to talk to each child, starting with Mamie. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 20

DICKENS Mistress Chickenstalker. How are you this fine morning? She giggles. DICKENS (CONT’D) What is the matter with your pinnie? It looks as if you have been caught in a cyclone. She straightens it. He moves on to Walter, standing as straight as he can. Dickens salutes. DICKENS (CONT’D) Master Corporal Skittles. Sir. He stares fixedly at Walter’s shoes. DICKENS (CONT’D) Ahem. The little boy self-consciously rubs one on the back of his leg. Dickens nods, approvingly. He moves on to Kate. DICKENS (CONT’D) Hello, Lucifer Box. KATE Hello, Papa. Dickens offers her his handkerchief. DICKENS Would you do me the honour? She blows her nose. He arrives at Charley, clinging to the leg of Tara. DICKENS (CONT’D) A-ha. The Snodgering Blee. We meet at last. Charley shrinks behind Tara. CHARLEY Morning, Pa. Dickens inspects him up and down. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 21

DICKENS Much better, sir. But... What’s this? You forgot to wash behind your ears. Dickens pulls a coin from Charley’s ear, to his delight. TARA Cor! Dickens turns his attention to Tara. DICKENS Tara, is it? TARA Yes, sir. Dickens notes the look of adoration on Charley’s face. Dickens I see you’ve made a conquest. Tara ruffles Charley’s hair. Dickens (CONT’D) What were you telling the children last night? About the fairies? Tara glances at Mrs. Fisk, nervously. TARA Only a story my gran used to tell us, sir. Back home in Ireland. She used to say that on Christmas Eve the veil between this world and the next thins out. And that’s when the spirits cross over, and walk among us. Dickens reflects on this. DICKENS Do they indeed? 20 INT/EXT. FREEMASON’S HALL - NIGHT 20 On the interior steps of the great hall, a sign announces: “A Benefit for the Children’s Refuge. With Charles Dickens.” Well-dressed PATRONS stream out. Dickens walks out of the hall, shaking hands with a haughty Society Woman. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 22

SOCIETY WOMAN #1 Thank you for coming. Such an interesting speech. Another couple of SOCIETY LADIES go by, whispering. SOCIETY LADY #2 ... not nearly as handsome as I’d thought... A red-faced industrialist, GRIMSBY, and his star-struck WIFE approach. MRS. GRIMSBY Oh, Mr. Dickens. It is such an honour to meet you. Mr. Grimsby looks unimpressed. MRS. GRIMSBY (CONT’D) We just adore your books. MR. GRIMSBY No, I don’t. MRS. GRIMSBY Well, I love them. MR. GRIMSBY Nonsense. You just like a good cry. Dickens gives him a strained smile. DICKENS What is it you particularly object to in my books? MR. GRIMSBY Pickpockets, streetwalkers, charity boys. Those people don’t belong in books. DICKENS Those people? You mean, the poor? They continue outside the building where Dickens indicates to a knot of BARE-FOOT URCHINS, watching from the shadows. Grimsby straightens up. MR. GRIMSBY Look here, Mr. Dickens. I’m a self- made man. I pulled myself up by my own bootstraps, never asked for anything from anyone that I wasn’t willing to pay for. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 23

DICKENS No help from anyone? MR. GRIMSBY None. MRS. GRIMSBY Well, Papa did give us a very small cotton mill for our wedding. Mr. Grimsby ignores this, whilst shoeing away a poor urchin begging for money. DICKENS What would you suggest we do about “those people”? MR. GRIMSBY Are there no workhouses? DICKENS Do you know that many people had rather die than go there? MR. GRIMSBY Then they had better do it, and reduce the surplus population. Dickens struggles to control his temper. DICKENS Will you excuse me? I have a -- I must-- good evening. He strides off. 21 EXT. LONDON STREETS - NIGHT 21 Dickens strides angrily through the chaotic, noisy streets of London, past WAITERS thrusting handbills into the hands of passersby, CABBIES soliciting fares, a BALLAD SINGER croaking out a tune, a barefooted CROSSING SWEEPER leaping into the street to clear away the manure. A TOOTHLESS MAN in a long cloak approaches emerges out of the crowd and flashes Dickens a lop-sided grin. TOOTHLESS MAN Care to buy? Hard workers. Suitable for factory work or chimney sweeping. Moving aside his cloak he reveals two CHILDREN, a boy and a girl, pale and emaciated, clinging to his legs. Dickens reels back in shock. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 24

DICKENS Let them go! Let them go, or I’ll have the police after you. The man turns and runs, the children in tow. Dickens tries to give chase across the street, but is nearly knocked over by a large cart drawn by four horses. On the side the words are written: “Warren’s Blacking: The Pride of Mankind”. Dickens freezes. He looks around. The toothless man and his children are gone. Hearing FOOTSTEPS, he gives chase down a darkened alleyway. Faster he goes, left, right, until he is completely disorientated. 22 EXT. CHURCH GRAVEYARD - NIGHT 22 Turning a corner, Dickens finds himself in the graveyard of a church and collapses under a tree, exhausted. He closes his eyes. VOICE #1 (O.S.) I lift up mine eyes unto the hills From whence cometh my help My help cometh even from the Lord Who hath made heaven and earth-- A gravelly voice cuts him off. VOICE #2 (O.S.) -- All right. I’m not paying you by the hour. Skip to the end. Dickens opens his eyes. In the glow of a lantern, a grave- side burial is taking place, attended only by a red-nosed CLERIC in a threadbare black coat, and a LONE MOURNER in a black silk hat, and two stalwart GRAVE-DIGGERS. CLERIC (rapidly) Rest eternal grant to him, O Lord: And let light perpetual shine upon him. Amen. LONE MOURNER Amen. The Lone Mourner presses a coin into the clergyman’s hand and strides away, clearly anxious to be gone. The Grave-diggers shuffle towards the grave, spades in hand. Grave Digger #1 points towards the coffin. GRAVE DIGGER #1 Shame, innit? All that money and no- one to mourn him. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 25

GRAVE DIGGER #2 -- except Old Scratch there. He nods towards the departing Lone Mourner. GRAVE DIGGER #1 Who is he? GRAVE DIGGER #2 His business partner. The meanest cur on two legs, so they say. Dickens shrinks against the wall as the Lone Mourner passes him, shooting him a look of pure malice. LONE MOURNER Humbug. Dickens recoils. 23 EXT./INT. DICKENS HOUSE - NIGHT 23 Dicken returns home, in a state of agitation, muttering to himself. DICKENS Old Scratch... all that money... shame... He reaches for the doorknocker when suddenly the door flies open. Dickens reacts as the knocker comes away in his hand. MRS. FISK Good evening, sir. DICKENS Indeed, Mrs. Fisk. He hands her his hat, and heads for the stairs, holds on to the knocker, not quite sure what to do with it, past the dining room where the whole family sits waiting for him. KATE Charles? Dickens is oblivious. DICKENS Humbug! 24 INT. STUDY - NIGHT 24 Dickens scribbles furiously, talking to himself, like a man possessed. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 26

DICKENS (V.O.) It’s about a businessman. Or a factory owner. A miser. His partner dies. But he doesn’t shed a tear. Thinks only of the money. And on Christmas Eve— 25 INT. CHAPMAN AND HALL. INNER OFFICE - MORNING 25 Dickens paces, flushed with excitement, referring to his hastily scrawled notes. DICKENS —on Christmas Eve— he meets some kind of, of, of, I don’t know- He gestures with his hands. DICKENS (CONT’D) —supernatural guides— or, spirits possibly– who in the course of one night, teach him what a miserable, loathsome, selfish toad he is. A short book. Short and sharp. A hammerblow to the heart of this smug, self-satisfied age. Forster and the publishers nod their heads with enthusiasm, though it is clear they don’t follow. DICKENS (CONT’D) It's a comedy. Forster breathes out, with relief. FORSTER Ah-ha! Hall Brilliant. CHAPMAN Does it have a title? DICKENS Yes. It’s called, A Christmas Ghost Story... No, uh— A Christmas— Song. Ballad. Something like that. Chapman clears his throat, glances at Hall. CHAPMAN Intriguing. Really.... Er. One Question— Why Christmas? The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 27

Dickens’s mouth twitches dangerously. DICKENS Why not? Hall leaps into the fray. HALL Well, Christmas: Not what it Used to Be, what? He chortles at his own joke. CHAPMAN I mean to say, Does Anyone Still Celebrate It? Other than our Clerk? Who Never misses an Opportunity to Take a Day off with Pay! HALL Indeed! Ha, ha. More or less an Excuse for Picking a Man's Pocket every Twenty-fifth of December! Dickens stares at them. Hall shifts uncomfortably. An awkward silence. CHAPMAN What We Mean to Say, Mr. Dickens, is, Not Much Market for “Christmas Books”....What? Dickens tries to control his rising temper. Dickens It is a Christmas book because Christmas is— or ought to be— the one time of the year when men and women open their shut-up hearts, and think of the people below them as if they really were fellow- passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures altogether. Hall nods, vigorously. HALL Indeed. CHAPMAN Mr. Dickens. We are Already Halfway Through October. (MORE) The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 28

CHAPMAN (CONT'D) Even if you Had already Written it, we couldn’t Possibly Get it Illustrated, Typeset, Printed and Bound, Advertised and Distributed to Shops in only Six Weeks. Dickens voice is calm, but his eyes blaze. DICKENS I see. Well, gentlemen. Thank you for your opinion. And with that, he rips up the cheque Forster had given him and sweeps out of the room. CHAPMAN Mr. Dickens! 26 EXT. LONDON STREET -DAY 26 Dickens hastens down the street. Forster catches him by the sleeve. DICKENS —the scaly-headed vultures— money grubbing, scum-sucking— FORSTER Charles. DICKENS I'll do it myself. FORSTER WHAT? DICKENS I will pay for it, all of it, including the illustrations, and distribute myself. FORSTER Charles. This is madness. Think of your finances! Let’s go back and renegotiate. No shame in it. It’s just business. Why throw everything over for a-a- minor holiday? Dickens regards him coldly. DICKENS My mind is made up, John. I’ve never felt so strongly about anything in my life. You can help me, or not. As you wish. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 29

Dickens storms off, heading straight for a nearby Tailors Shop. FORSTER Where are you off to? DICKENS To raise some capital. FORSTER Eh? DICKENS (off his look) One thing I’ve learned from my father: people will believe anything if you’re properly dressed. 27 OMIT 27 28 EXT. RAILWAY STATION - DAY 28 Through the steam from the engines, a NATTILY-DRESSED MAN helps his WIFE down from the train. We can’t quite make out his features at first. Then he turns and we see that it is MR. DICKENS SR., older than before but still as ebullient. MR. DICKENS Nothing like the air of the metropolis to put colour in your cheeks, eh mother? Mrs. Dickens inhales deeply. 29 INT. HADDOCK’S OFFICE - DAY 29 Forster and Dickens, in his new clothes, perch on uncomfortable chairs in the office of his solicitor. Dickens’s eyes dart around the room: at the PAPERS stained with coffee, GLASSES WITH MOLD halfway up the side. A SAFE, wound round and about with heavy chains. The door flies open and THOMAS HADDOCK, appears, in a faded coat over a threadbare waistcoat. HADDOCK Mr. Dickens. Mr. Forster. How do you? DICKENS Very well, thank you, Mr. Haddock. HADDOCK Mittens. Bad boy. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 30

He picks an evil-looking cat off his chair and sits down. HADDOCK (CONT'D) Now. How can I be of service? DICKENS Well, sir, it’s about the loan-- MR. HADDOCK - come to think of it, there was something I wanted to tell you. What was it? Haddock gets up and starts to rifle through some DOG-EARED FILES on the desk. HADDOCK It was rather good news, as I recall-- Haddock finds a plate of biscuits under one of the files them and offers them to Forster. FORSTER Thank you. Ow! The cat has leapt onto his lap. HADDOCK Mittens! You rascal... What was I-- DICKENS You said you had good news. About the lawsuit? HADDOCK Lawsuit? DICKENS Copyright infringement. HADDOCK Eh? FORSTER Oliver Twisted. “As Re-originated from the Original.” Haddock has found the file. HADDOCK Oh, yes! Here it is. Good news indeed. We won. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 31

DICKENS What? HADDOCK The fine was set at twenty-two hundred pounds. Dickens nearly cries with relief. DICKENS Twenty-two hundred— Oh, Haddock. You can’t think how relieved I am. The pirates are beaten— HADDOCK The bad news is the defendants have no money. Beat. DICKENS What? HADDOCK Bankrupt... Disappointing, I know... Of course, we could have them arrested. Throw them in the debtor’s prison. Dickens shakes his head, repulsed. DICKENS No. No. No. HADDOCK As you wish. Meanwhile, if you would be so good. Haddock unlocks a METAL CASE wrapped round with CHAINS and takes out a paper, stamped “Payment on Demand”. HADDOCK (CONT’D) Here’s my bill. No rush. Next week will be fine. Haddock dips his biscuit in his tea, placidly. Dickens attempts to stifle his anxiety. DICKENS The thing is, Haddock... He glances at Forster. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 32

DICKENS (CONT’D) I’m waiting for a big royalty cheque from America. A trifling sum— what was it, 400 pounds, Forster? Forster nearly chokes on his biscuit. FORSTER Mm? Something like that. The solicitor listens attentively. DICKENS Tell you what... why don’t we defer this bill until, say January. And, while we’re at it, perhaps you might add a little more to it. I’ll make it worth your while. HADDOCK More? You mean, borrow more? DICKENS Not much— perhaps 300 pounds? Until— until, January. Forster reaches for the tea. The solicitor thinks. Dickens looks pale, wipes his brow. HADDOCK I’m sure we can work something out. At, say, twenty-five percent? Forster can’t contain himself. FORSTER God’s teeth! The cat leaps off Forster’s lap with a piteous MEOW. Dickens is not well. Ashen. HADDOCK However, I will require the money to be repaid at the end of January without fail. DICKENS Of course. Forster here will sort out the details with you. Dickens walks carefully from the room, as if he might faint. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 33

30 EXT. HADDOCK’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS 30 Dickens hastens down the street, and turns the corner. He leans up against the wall, eyes closed, sweating. FORSTER (O.S.) Charles? Dickens opens his eyes to find FORSTER looking at him closely. He claps him on the shoulder. FORSTER (CONT’D) Charles? Are you all right? Dickens straightens up, shrugging off the moment. DICKENS A kidney spasm. That’s all. He stalks off. DICKENS (CONT’D) (over his shoulder) Find me an illustrator. 31 INT. PAWNSHOP - DAY 31 Mr. Dickens Senior is showing a PAWNBROKER a book as his wife looks on. MR. DICKENS Best quality, sir. A1 condition.... and look — He opens the cover. MR. DICKENS (CONT’D) Inscribed by the author. The pawnbroker peers at the handwritten inscription. PAWNBROKER To Papa. Love, Charles. The pawnbroker examines Dickens Senior skeptically. PAWNBROKER (CONT’D) Five bob. VOICE (O.S.) Hallo old girl. Hallo old girl. Mr. Dickens looks up to see a CAGED CROW, walking up and down on his perch. Mr. Dickens’s face lights up. He turns back to the pawnbroker. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 34

MR. DICKENS Perhaps we might strike a bargain? 32 INT. HALLWAY - DAY 32 Outside the study, a trio of servants and Tara are giggling as they listen to the master making strange noises. DICKENS Oh but he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, old— ... Scratch? Scrounger?... 33 INT. STUDY - DAY 33 DICKENS - a covetous old sinner! ... old — whatshisname! He throws his pen down in frustration. 34 INT. HALLWAY - DAY 34 DICKENS (O.S.) ....Screwpull.... Scrabbly... scr—rrrr—aahhh— chh...aahhh They push Tara forward. SERVANT Go on. He won’t bite. Tara knocks softly on the door, and opens it. 35 INT. STUDY - CONTINUOUS 35 Tara enters. Dickens is nowhere to be seen. She tiptoes over to the fire. Suddenly, she hears— DICKENS (O.S.) Mr.... Scrimple! She squeals with terror. Dickens sits up from the couch where he has been lying and takes the handkerchief off his face. DICKENS (CONT’D) You, what are you doing in here? TARA I’ve just come to see to the fire, sir. DICKENS I’m not to be interrupted under any circumstances. Do you hear? The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 35

TARA I beg your pardon, sir. It won’t happen again. Tara turns to go. DICKENS Wait. What’s that in your pocket? Tara’s takes out a Penny Dreadful magazine and reluctantly hands it over to Dickens. Dickens examines the cover: a winged vampire with bloody teeth. DICKENS (CONT’D) “Varney the Vampire: The Feast of Blood.” Any good? TARA Oh, yes, sir. Thrilling. He smiles. DICKENS Where did you learn to read? TARA My mum taught me. But then she died. So, I had to go to the Grubber. Dickens recoils. DICKENS The Workhouse? TARA You won’t tell Mrs. Fisk, will you? She’d think I was shirking. DICKENS It will be our secret. Dickens plucks a book off the shelf: The Arabian Nights. DICKENS (CONT'D) In fact, I’ll make you a trade. Varney the Vampire for... Aladdin and his Magic Lamp. She takes the book in her hands with awe. TARA Oh. My. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 36

DICKENS Read it and tell me what you think. TARA Thank you, sir. She hesitates. TARA (CONT’D) Who is Scrimple? DICKENS Scrimple? TARA When I came in... You was saying— DICKENS It’s just a name. In a story I’m concocting. You get the name right and then— if you’re lucky — the character will appear. Tara eyes dart around the room. DICKENS (CONT’D) He’s not here yet. He smiles. Then is struck by a thought. He starts to pace, oblivious to her. DICKENS (CONT’D) Scrantish? Tara tiptoes out, unobserved. DICKENS (CONT’D) S—c—rarmer—... S—c—r—ungge. No! Come on, come on, you old sinner. He closes his eyes, conjuring up the image of the Lone Mourner in his mind. DICKENS (CONT’D) SCROOGE! A sudden gust of wind makes the fire leap up, the papers fly around the room. SCROOGE (O.S.) Shut the window! Do you think I am made of money? Dickens jumps. Behind him, SCROOGE, dressed as the Lone Mourner. Dickens is awe-struck. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 37

DICKENS Mr. Scrooge. How delightful to meet you, sir. SCROOGE I’m sorry I can’t say the same. DICKENS Come now, Mr. Scrooge. Don’t be standoffish. We ought to be friends. SCROOGE Don’t have friends. Don’t need ‘em. Dickens laughs. DICKENS Naturally.... I know. Let’s play a game. SCROOGE I don’t like games. DICKENS Humour me... What do you think of when I say the word “Darkness”. SCROOGE Cheap. DICKENS Love. SCROOGE A Swindle. DICKENS Money. SCROOGE Security. DICKENS Children. SCROOGE Nuisances. DICKENS Workhouse. SCROOGE Useful. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 38

DICKENS Christmas. A strange look passes over Scrooge’s face. SCROOGE Christmas. DICKENS That’s right. Dickens leans in, pen at the ready. They both jump at the sound of a piercing SCREAM. MRS. FISK (O.S.) Help! Help! Get it away! Dickens throws open the door. 36 INT. FRONT HALL - CONTINUOUS 36 Dickens thunders down the stairs. DICKENS What is going on? He sees Miss Fisk cowering in a corner, as a large RAVEN makes a dive at her head. MRS. FISK Get it away! The filthy thing! The children laugh and clap their hands as Mr. Dickens waves a cage at the bird. MR. DICKENS Come on now, Grip. Back in your cage, old chap. DICKENS Father? MR. DICKENS Charles! Good day! DICKENS What are you doing here? MR. DICKENS I was in the neighbourhood. Thought I’d drop by with a present for the children. CHARLEY His name is Grip! He talks! The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 39

Grip is on a ledge, marching back and forth in agitation. CHILDREN Can we keep him? GRIP Halloa, old girl. Halloa old girl. Mrs. Fisk clutches the edge of the bannister. MRS. FISK It’s bad luck. A bird in the house. It means death. Dickens motions for his father to move into the parlour. 37 INT. PARLOUR - CONTINUOUS 37 Dickens turns to address his father. DICKENS What are you doing back in London? MR. DICKENS My dear Charles. I will not disguise from you, that this is not the ardor with which a loving father might be expected— DICKENS You are supposed to be in Devon. MR. DICKENS Ha, banishment! Be merciful, say 'death;' For exile hath more terror in his look—' DICKENS We had an agreement. I bought you a house. Gave you an allowance. Mr. Dickens looks sheepish. MR. DICKENS And you know how very grateful I am. As for me, I’m happy wherever the weather. But your Mother— is of a more delicate sensibility. The sight of cows causes her actual physical pain. DICKENS Father— The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 40

MR. DICKENS And then you see, I need to do some research in the London Library. Dickens is skeptical of this. DICKENS Research? MR. DICKENS I have a commission from the Spectator. To write a feature on the Bank Charter Act. The editor was greatly impressed by my series on Marine Insurance. Kate and Mrs. Dickens appear in the doorway. KATE Good for you, Father. And I hope you and Mother will stay here with us. She shoots a look at Dickens. KATE (CONT’D) The children and I will enjoy having some company in the evening. Mr. Dickens glances at his son, apprehensively. DICKENS (relenting) The Spectator. Most impressive. MR. DICKENS Thank you my boy... (dropping his voice) Er. You couldn’t perhaps lend me a tenner? The fellow took my last farthing for the cage. Suddenly there is an ominous CRASH in the hallway. They run to see Grip, perched on the new chandelier, causing bits and pieces to fall to the floor. MR. DICKENS (CONT’D) I’ll see that’s all cleaned up. The children surround Mr. Dickens, delighted, as Dickens holds his tongue and heads back upstairs. 38 INT. STUDY - LATER THAT NIGHT 38 Dickens paces, gripping his hair in frustration. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 41

DICKENS Gah! “This is not the ardor, with which a loving father-” He throws himself down on the couch. He looks up and sees Scrooge. SCROOGE Humbug. DICKENS What is? SCROOGE Christmas. Dickens sits up. DICKENS What about it? SCROOGE What is it but an excuse for picking a man’s pocket every twenty- fifth of December?... Dickens jumps up and runs to his desk and rapidly goes through his pre-writing ritual. DICKENS Yes, yes! Keep going. SCROOGE ...a time for paying bills without money.... Dickens starts to write, furiously. SCROOGE (CONT'D) ...a time for finding yourself a year older and not an hour richer. DICKENS Excellent. SCROOGE If I could work my will, every idiot who goes about with “Merry Christmas” on his lips, should be boiled with his own pudding and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. He should. Dickens laughs out loud. He looks at Scrooge, admiringly. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 42

DICKENS Oh, Mr. Scrooge. You and I are going to do great things together. Dickens starts scratching away, while Scrooge peers over his shoulder, smiling. DICKENS (CONT’D) Oh, but he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge. A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self- contained and solitary as an oyster. Dickens glances over his shoulder. Scrooge immediately rearranges his features into a scowl. There is a KNOCK at the door. MR. DICKENS (O.S.) Charles? Scrooge disappears. Mr. Dickens pokes his head in, smiling. MR. DICKENS (CONT’D) Hard at work? Dickens grits his teeth. DICKENS What can I help you with, Father? MR. DICKENS I wondered if we might have an extra candlestick for our room? DICKENS Of course. He hands him a candlestick. Mr. Dickens eyes a box on the mantelpiece. MR. DICKENS Oooo. Are those cigars? Mr. Dickens advances into the room. MR. DICKENS (CONT’D) I must confess, I have acquired an irrepressible habit of smoking whilst I write. Shameful, I know. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 43

He pockets the box. MR. DICKENS (CONT’D) Well. I won’t detain you. He tiptoes out. Dickens picks up the doorknocker from the front door, now sat on his desk, and raps on it a few times, angrily. Scrooge immediately reappears, a look of alarm on his face. SCROOGE Don’t do that. DICKENS Why? SCROOGE He’ll think he’s being summoned-- Suddenly, the air is filled with a terrible clanking sound, as of chains being dragged up the stairs and the hallway. Scrooge looks terrified. SCROOGE (CONT’D) Too late. DICKENS Who is it? Scrooge is too terrified to speak. Dickens picks up his book of names, rapidly flipping through the list. DICKENS (CONT’D) Uh...Bunsby. Clennam. Heep...Hexam. SCROOGE Stop. DICKENS Magwitch?... Marley... The lights in the room dim one by one. Suddenly, the door flies open and the ghost of JACOB MARLEY (bearing a strong resemblance to his solicitor, Haddock), covered in chains, padlocks, cash-boxes and steel purses, appears. Scrooge attempts a smile. SCROOGE Jacob? Is that you? Dickens looks at Scrooge. DICKENS You know him? The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 44

SCROOGE My business partner. Last I saw him, he was dead as a doornail. The ghost gives out a dreadful howl. MARLEY Business! Mankind was my business! The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. But I did none of these. SCROOGE He was never one for a straight answer. The ghost gives another howl. DICKENS Come in, I pray you. Marley clanks into the room, dragging his chains. DICKENS (CONT’D) You are in chains. Tell me why. MARLEY I wear the chain I forged in life. I made it link by link, and yard by yard. I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it. DICKENS Indeed. MARLEY Is its pattern strange to you? Dickens starts to write. DICKENS .... strange to you.... MARLEY Or would you know the weight and length of the strong coil you bear yourself? Dickens looks up. Marley is staring straight at him. Dickens takes a careful step towards Marley. DICKENS You mean him, surely. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 45

Marley leans towards him, confidentially. He walks around Dickens, circling him with a loose chain. MARLEY Chains man, all around you. Past... and present... and what is to come. Dickens stares at him, his mind racing. And with that, Marley pulls the loose chain tight around Dickens. FLASHBACK: 39 INT. DICKENS FAMILY HOME - NIGHT 39 The children crowd around the Christmas table. Mr. Dickens at the head, in a richly patterned waistcoat. A cheer goes up as Mrs. Dickens, sets a large turkey down on the table. Mr. Dickens holds up his hands for silence. He intones. MR. DICKENS Hail to thee blithe turkey. Whose exquisite odours now perfume the circumambient air. So let this day be fragrant with the love we bear each other. And may God bless us everyone. He winks at YOUNG CHARLES, who stares up at him with adoration. YOUNG CHARLES ....every one. Suddenly, the door flies open. A BAILIFF fills the door frame, accompanied by two burly Deputies. BAILIFF Mr. John Dickens? MR. DICKENS That is my name. BAILIFF Come with me. MR. DICKENS What is the meaning of this termagant breach of our Yuletide feast? BAILIFF Eh? The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 46

MR. DICKENS What is the matter? BAILIFF The matter is a debt of some forty pounds and ten shillings. Fourteen months in arrears. The bailiff holds out a set of handcuffs. BAILIFF (CONT’D) If you please. The deputies enter the room, and start loading household goods onto a cart, furniture, silverware, books, anything they can get their hands on. MR. DICKENS Gentlemen! Please! This is all a misunderstanding. A circumstance of great moment to me is to be decided in the ensuing term — Young Charles bursts into tears. YOUNG CHARLES Tell them to stop. Tell them to stop! A handcuffed Mr. Dickens is helpless to comfort him. As he struggles to reach Charles, he knocks the magic lantern and it falls, shattering on the ground. 40 INT. DICKEN STUDY- MORNING 40 Dickens wakes with a start. He is lying on the couch. He looks around. The room is empty. 41 EXT. ST. JAMES PARK - DAY 41 Dickens marches along the foot path, with Forster struggling to keep up. DICKENS What about Leech? For the illustrations. FORSTER Leech? He’s so prickly. And by no means the cheapest— DICKENS I don’t want the cheapest– The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 47

FORSTER –Charles. For God’s sake, slow down. You move at railway speed. Dickens slows down slightly. DICKENS I want the best. FORSTER It’s going well then? DICKENS What? FORSTER The book. DICKENS Brilliant. Best thing I’ve ever done. FORSTER So you’re-- DICKENS I have eleven pages. FORSTER – Eleven? DICKENS If it weren’t for the constant interruptions – you know my father’s staying with us? FORSTER Oh. DICKENS Indeed. He could not have come at a worse time– Forster is distracted by the sight of a pretty young woman (CHARLOTTE WIGMORE, age 25) walking by with a CHAPERONE. FORSTER Oh! Charlotte’s face lights up at the sight of Forster. Her companion turns her around to walk the other way. DICKENS Who was that? The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 48

FORSTER Charlotte. DICKENS Who? FORSTER My fiancee. I told you-- DICKENS Fiancee? FORSTER She’s a canny lass, is she not? DICKENS Indeed, most amiable. FORSTER Amiable? Why man, she’s an angel, a sylph, a– I don’t know what. Suddenly Forster bursts into tears. Dickens stares at him, perplexed. DICKENS Whatever is the matter? FORSTER Charlotte and I — have come to a parting of the ways. DICKENS I thought you said you were engaged— FORSTER Were. Her father had no intention for her to marry the son of a Gateshead butcher. Dickens tries to think what to say. DICKENS Perhaps its for the best. The life matrimonial... it’s not for everyone, old stick. Forster manfully masters his emotions. FORSTER No doubt. No doubt. Forster blows his nose. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 49

FORSTER (CONT’D) So... Leech? DICKENS That’s the ticket. 42 INT. LEECH'S STUDIO - DAY 42 Dickens and Forster visit LEECH, an eccentric-looking man, with hair like a rooster. Forster studies the framed cartoons on the wall as Dickens describes his vision to Leech. DICKENS Four wood cuts and four etchings. The cover in red. Hand-coloured. The title in rustic writing. The end papers to be green and all three edges to be gilded. LEECH Gilded? That will cost you. DICKENS It must be exquisite. That’s why we came to you. LEECH You’ll have to sell every copy to make your money back. DICKENS That is my intention, Mr. Leech. Leech purses his lips together. LEECH Have you brought the manuscript? DICKENS I’ll have something for you in a week. LEECH A week? That leaves only four weeks to do the illustrations and get it to the printers in time for Christmas. DICKENS Can you do it? LEECH Mr. Dickens. I am not a hired hand. I am an artist. What you are asking is impossible. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 50

DICKENS Impossible for an ordinary man, yes. But you are no ordinary man, Mr. Leech. You are a genius. Leech draws himself up like a poker. LEECH Fifty pounds. Paid in advance. Plus more for the plates. Dickens hesitates. DICKENS Done. Forster passes his hand over his face as Dickens heads for the door. FORSTER Charles– 43 EXT. LONDON STREET - DAY 43 Forster confronts Dickens on the street outside Leech’s studio. FORSTER Look, Charles, I don’t mean to be the voice of doom but before we lay out money for illustrations, we should consider what happens if you don’t finish on time. DICKENS I will finish on time. Forster doesn’t have the heart to pursue it. FORSTER Quite. 44 EXT. DICKENS HOUSE -DAY 44 Dickens arrives home. The door is open. A workman stands by it, perplexed by the missing door knocker. 45 INT. DICKENS HALLWAY - DAY 45 Dickens steps in. Mrs. Fisk takes his hat. DICKENS Thank you— Signor Mazzini is fixing the chandelier. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 51

SIGNOR MAZZINI Mr. Dickens. I fix. See? DICKENS Yes. Grazie, Mr. Mazzini. SIGNOR MAZZINI Is no problem. No problem! Only twelve guineas extra! There is a sound of LAUGHTER in the parlour above. Dickens turns to Mrs. Fisk. DICKENS I thought my father was off to the British library. MRS. FISK It’s your sister, sir. Come from Manchester with her little boy. 46 INT. PARLOUR - CONTINUOUS 46 Dickens’ sister FANNY (mid-thirties, pretty but faded) is on the floor, with her young son, HENRY JR, and all the Dickens children, playing with a toy theatre. Henry’s father, the REVEREND HENRY BURNETT looks on, beaming. DICKENS Fanny! Fanny glances up. FANNY Charlie! She jumps up to embrace her brother. DICKENS Henry. How are you? Dickens shakes the Reverend Henry’s hand. REVEREND HENRY Very well, grace be to God. Dickens smiles at his nephew on the floor. DICKENS Master Henry. I hardly recognize you. How old are you now? Henry struggles to his feet, with the help of a crutch. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 52

YOUNG HENRY Nine, if you please sir. He coughs, violently. DICKENS Nine. Is it possible? Tara enters, a little shyly. TARA Excuse me, sir. The children’s tea is ready in the dining room. REVEREND HENRY Come on, then young ‘un. The Reverend puts Young Henry on his shoulders, and follows Tara and the other children out the door and down the stairs. Fanny watches them go. FANNY There goes my heart. DICKENS What did the doctor say? FANNY He says we have to wait and see. DICKENS Fanny. Won’t you let me help? FANNY We’ll manage. DICKENS At least until Henry gets a new position? FANNY Something will turn up. I’m sure of it. DICKENS You sound like father. She smiles. FANNY How is the old reprobate? Dickens adopts their father’s tone of voice. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 53

DICKENS “This morning I had twenty-five shillings in my hand and now... He holds out his hands. DICKENS (CONT’D) “Observe the vacancy.” They laugh. FANNY He means no harm. DICKENS It’s not enough. He bobs along like a cork on the surface of life, no thought for the future-- Fanny puts her hand on his arm. FANNY Charlie. Let it go, can’t you? MR. DICKENS (O.S.) Abaft, you scurvy pirates! Dickens and Fanny crack open the door. Mr. Dickens, has just arrived home, Young Henry at his side. The children are crowded around him, rummaging in his pockets for gifts as he shouts, uproariously. MR DICKENS Brail up your capstan-bar! Sheepshank your mizzen! Full speed ahead! She smiles. KATE For all his faults, you won’t find a kinder man. Dickens sighs. DICKENS How long he is growing up to be one. 47 INT. DICKENS BEDROOM - NIGHT 47 Dickens wakes up with a start. Scrooge is standing over him, with a candle. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 54

DICKENS (whispers) Why are you here? SCROOGE You’d better come and see who’s turned up. Beside him, in bed, Kate stirs. KATE Charles? Dickens puts his finger to his lips. DICKENS Just a touch of indigestion... Go back to sleep. Dickens and Scrooge creep out. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 55

48 INT. STUDY - NIGHT 48 Dickens and Scrooge stare at a ghostly figure (looking a good deal like Tara), dressed in white, wearing a wreath on her head. She stands by the window where the muslin curtains float eerily around her in the wind. SCROOGE Tell him who you are. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST I am the Ghost of Christmas Past. The Ghost gestures towards the window. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST (CONT’D) Follow. SCROOGE It’s awfully late and I’m not quite dressed. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST Follow. Scrooge draws back. SCROOGE Not bloody likely. DICKENS Why? SCROOGE Mucking around in the past? What’s the point? DICKENS You might learn something. SCROOGE I already know everything I need to know. (to the Ghost) Take him, why don’t you? DICKENS Me? SCROOGE If you’re so keen. The ghost turns her gaze to Dickens. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 55A

DICKENS It’s not about me. SCROOGE You’re the author aren’t you? Dickens looks at the ghost, fearful. He doesn’t move. The Ghost turns to look at the slightly ajar window, which now SLAMS wide open.

49 EXT. WARREN’S BLACKING FACTORY - NIGHT 49 Young Charles holds his father’s hand tightly, through the bars of a bailiff’s van, trying to keep from crying. The rest of the family are huddled together behind his father in the van. MR. DICKENS Don’t cry, Charlie. We’ll be back for you before you know it. YOUNG CHARLES But why can’t I stay with you? MR. DICKENS You’re a big boy now, Charlie. You need to help out. You’ll see. (MORE) The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 56

MR. DICKENS (CONT'D) It will be an adventure. You’ll hardly think of us at all. Behind him, the bailiff climbs on board the van. BAILIFF Time to go. Young Charles starts to cry. MR. DICKENS Now, sir, enough of that. Stand up tall. Blood of iron, heart of ice. The van starts to move off. Young Charles lets go of his father’s hands. MR. DICKENS (CONT’D) (shouting back) Remember: you are the son of John Dickens. A Gentleman. You be sure and tell them that! The van disappears around the corner. The boy turns and looks with dread at the old, tumbledown building, beneath the sign WARRENS BLACKING: “The Pride of Mankind”. A door opens spilling some light. YOUNG CHARLES (trying to gather strength) Blood of iron, heart of ice. 50 INT. BEDROOM - MORNING (PRESENT) 50 Dickens is in bed, tossing in his sleep. Kate comes in, dressed for the day. Dickens awakes with a start. KATE Good morning. She bustles about the room. DICKENS What? Oh. Yes. KATE You were tossing and turning all night, you know. DICKENS Bad dreams. KATE What about? The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 57

He shakes his head. DICKENS I don’t know. Shadows. Nothing more. KATE A little daylight will cure you. She throws open the curtains. 51 INT/EXT. MARKET - DAY 51 A theatre curtain is pulled aside to reveal a puppet show, performing to a watching crowd in the COVERED market. All is bustle and colour. Dickens wanders amongst the stalls overflowing with brightly coloured goods, tin pans, second-hand clothes, baskets of chestnuts, pears and apples, piles of filberts. Suddenly, a figure is there, tugging on his sleeve. It’s Scrooge. SCROOGE I trust we’ll have no more of that. Dickens is taken aback. DICKENS Of --? SCROOGE The past. A lot of nonsense. Onward. Scrooge flinches as a couple of CHILDREN run screaming by them. DICKENS Were you never a child, Mr. Scrooge? SCROOGE I don’t recall. Come on, we’re wasting time. We should be working. DICKENS I am working. SCROOGE Here? DICKENS I’m gathering inspiration. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 58

SCROOGE Gathering... what?? Dickens gestures. DICKENS What do you see? When you look around? SCROOGE A market. DICKENS What else? He points to various people in the market: A PIEMAN with his arms laden with pie cans, yelling: PIEMAN Pies all’ot! Eel, beef, or mutton pies! Penny Pies, all’ ot! SCROOGE Buyers and sellers. DICKENS What else? A Cockney SCAM ARTIST, doing a patter. SCAM ARTIST ....Three thimbles and one little pea- with a one, two, three, and a two, three, one, catch him who can, look on, keep your eyes open and niver say die! SCROOGE Thieves and ruffians. As they step out from the “souk” into the open air street market, He points to A YOUNG COUPLE, lost in admiration of each other. A NEWSAGENT, calling out: NEWSAGENT Times, gen’l’mn, Times! Highly Interesting murder, gen’l’mn, A FIDDLER, plays a tune and a BUTCHER calls out. BUTCHER Clear away! Clear away, lads! The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 59

He tosses the fiddler a coin, catches up his WIFE and starts to dance. Dickens laughs with pleasure, then looks at Scrooge, who shrugs. DICKENS Life, Mr. Scrooge! London! The great theatre of the world! It’s all here! SCROOGE Humbug. DICKENS You say that a lot. SCROOGE I’m a man of facts and calculations. Realities, not fancy... Not-- not-- what the devil is that?-- Dickens and Scrooge stare at a strange sight: a PAPIER MACHE BOTTLE is toddling along the street. When the bottle reaches Dickens, a hand pops out of it, and thrusts a flyer in his hand: an advertisement for Warren’s Blacking. Dickens is frozen for a moment, unnerved. He takes off in the other direction. DICKENS Must go. SCROOGE Where to? DICKENS (over his shoulder) Back to work.

52 INT. DICKENS HOUSE. DINING ROOM - NIGHT 52 The family are at the dinner table waiting to eat. Mr. Dickens entertains the children, making them giggle. MR. DICKENS Papa... potatoes... poultry... and prunes... are all very good words for the lips. At the other end of the table, Mrs. Dickens reminisces for Kate’s benefit. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 59A

MRS. DICKENS And oh, the parties.... We used to keep such hours! Balls, dinners— champagne— Mr. Dickens ties his napkin around his head, winks at the children. The children giggle. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 60

KATE Well, it looks as if Charles won’t be joining us this evening. Again. We may as well begin. Mr. Dickens has already begun. MR. DICKENS First rate capon, Mrs. Fisk. MRS. FISK Thank you sir. I’ll let the cook know. MRS. DICKENS ...and the chairs had turned legs with green chintz squabs to match the curtains. At that moment, Dickens appears in the doorway. DICKENS What story is that, Mother? Mrs. Dickens reddens. MRS. DICKENS I was only telling Kate about the dining room set we used to have. Rosewood. In the most approved taste. DICKENS You mean, the one we pawned? An awkward silence. MRS. DICKENS Charles. You are a satirical monster. Kate is bewildered. KATE Is that a joke, dear? DICKENS Not a very amusing one. Mrs. Dickens examines her hands, mortified. An awkward silence. Dickens turns a cold eye on his father. DICKENS (CONT’D) Is that a new waistcoat father? The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 61

MR. DICKENS Eh? What? Oh, yes. Persian crimson. It is a little more expensive, but I’ve always said, people will believe anything if you’re properly dressed. Beat. DICKENS Kate. Will you ask Tara to bring up a tray with something on it? KATE I’ll bring it up. DICKENS No! I need Tara to do it. MR. DICKENS That’s the spirit my boy. Procrastination is the thief of time, eh Charles. Collar him! Dickens looks at him, but decides not to say anything. MRS. FISK I’ll get her sir. Tara! Mr. Dickens, unperturbed, digs into his food. MR. DICKENS We must never disturb the poet when the divine frenzy is upon him. I myself have suffered the same delirium. Often to the detriment of my health, as you know, my love. 53 INT. DICKENS STUDY - NIGHT 53 Dickens is talking to himself in the mirror, like a mad man. DICKENS Know the place! Was I apprenticed here? Why it’s old Fezziwig! Behind him, in the room, the FEZZIWIGS appear (the genial BUTCHER and his WIFE from the market). They start to dance. FEZZIWIG Clear away, lads! Clear away! It’s Friday night! There is a knock on the door. The Fezziwigs freeze. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 62

DICKENS Who is it? TARA (O.S.) It’s Tara, sir. With your dinner. Dickens throws open the door. DICKENS Tara. Come in. Come in. He takes the tray from her. DICKENS (CONT’D) Sit. I want to read you something. TARA Oh, I don’t think Mrs. Fisk— DICKENS Skittleshins to Mrs. Fisk. Sit. Please. She does. 54 INT. SITTING ROOM - NIGHT 54 Kate sits alone and bored. Another evening without the company of her husband. She looks at the ceiling. The study above her. 55 OMIT 55 56 INT. STUDY - NIGHT 56 Dickens is reading to Tara from the manuscript. She smiles lost in her imagination. DICKENS ... in easy state upon this couch, there sat a jolly giant, who bore a glowing torch and held it up to shed its light on Scrooge as he came peeping round the corner. TARA The second ghost! The lights in the room slowly brighten, revealing the GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT (bearing a strong resemblance to Forster in a beard), seated high up on a throne, amidst a cornucopia of apples and oranges and pears, chestnuts, mistletoe and holly. Around him in a circle, various other CHARACTERS from the book, stare up in rapt attention. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 63

The Ghost laughs as he sees Scrooge approach, shielding his eyes from the bright light. SCROOGE Who are you? The ghost laughs. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT I am the Ghost of Christmas present. Come closer man and know me better. Scrooge fearfully climbs the library steps. SCROOGE Excuse me, but -- why all this- produce? The Ghost laughs again. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT These are the gifts of abundance, of good will and generosity. SCROOGE Eh? GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT Of course you wouldn’t understand much about that, would you? Unlike these good people. The Ghost of Christmas Present points towards the hearth, where the CRATCHIT FAMILY including BOB (looking a good deal like Henry Burnett Sr.), and TINY TIM (a paler, more fragile version of Henry) are seated round a table, staring joyfully at a very modest Christmas dinner of mashed potatoes, apple sauce, gravy, and a very small roasted goose. CRATCHIT My dear Mrs. Cratchit. You have outdone yourself this year. Mrs. Cratchit beams, and looks around at her children. MRS. CRATCHIT Everyone pitched in. Even Tim. Tim points to the mismatched cups and plates. TINY TIM I set the table! Cratchit lifts his glass. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 64

CRATCHIT A Merry Christmas to us all, my dears. And may God bless us. TINY TIM God bless us every one! Tiny Tim’s little body is racked with coughs. Cratchit picks him up in his arms. Scrooge stares at Tiny Tim, moved. SCROOGE I didn’t know Cratchit had a crippled son. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT Didn’t you ever think to ask? SCROOGE He’s my clerk. I don’t pay him to tell me about his personal life. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT You hardly pay him at all. SCROOGE Fifteen shillings a week. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT For a man with a family? Not too mention a sick child. SCROOGE That is the market rate. The ghost bristles. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT Do you really believe that every inch of existence is a bargain across the counter? SCROOGE I-- I- GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT Observe this family. They don’t have much, and yet they’re happy, grateful and contented with the time. Whereas you are miserable and content with nothing. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 65

SCROOGE I never heard such folly. A clock in the room strikes the hour. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT Heed well what I have said. Farewell. SCROOGE No. Wait– DICKENS (O.S.) Intermission. The characters spontaneously applaud as Scrooge and the Ghost take a bow. MRS. FEZZIWIG Thrilling performance. GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT That’s very kind. MR. FEZZIWIG Where did you train? A clock in the room strikes the hour. The lights start returning to normal. The characters disappear. Dickens turns over the last page of the manuscript. DICKENS And that’s as far as I’ve got. Tara stirs herself, like one awaking from a sleep. DICKENS (CONT’D) Tara? The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 66

She nods, still half in a dream, then turns back. TARA How do you do that, sir? DICKENS What, Tara? TARA Make a world, come alive.... I could almost see and hear them people. She drifts out the door. TARA (CONT’D) Especially that Tiny Tim. The poor mite Dickens pleased his writing has affected someone so much, turns to see Scrooge, jolting him out of his reverie. SCROOGE A word in your ear. Dickens is wary. DICKENS About? SCROOGE The scene. It’s very one-sided- DICKENS One-sided? SCROOGE My character doesn’t get to explain his side of things. I’ve taken the liberty of writing a speech - DICKENS No. SCROOGE -- something about the rational self-interest and the natural tendency of free markets-- DICKENS No. No. And no. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 67

Scrooge scowls. SCROOGE What kind of book is this, anyway? Dickens sweeps out of the room. 56A OMIT 56A 57 INT. LEECH'S STUDIO - DAY 57 Dickens and Forster study a sketch that Leech has done. DICKENS No! Too gloomy. The Ghost of Christmas Present should be wonderful. Warm. Jolly. LEECH Jolly. DICKENS Yes. LEECH A jolly ghost. DICKENS That’s it. Leech goes to a cabinet and counts out fifty pounds in cash. DICKENS (CONT’D) What’s this? LEECH I am returning your money. FORSTER —My dear Mr. Leech— LEECH Find another artist. DICKENS We don’t want another artist. LEECH A jolly Christmas ghost? What does that mean? I can’t draw what I don’t understand! The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 68

DICKENS Well, he’s — he’s everything that’s best about Christmas. He’s the soul of kindness and generosity, he’s- He glances at Forster. DICKENS (CONT’D) Forster. FORSTER Eh? CUT TO: 58 INT. LEECH’S STUDIO - LATER 58 Forster, dressed in a sheet, open to his navel, and holding a lamp aloft, poses uncomfortably while Dickens applies makeup to his cheeks. Leech waits to sketch him. 59 EXT. LONDON/HATCHARD’S - NIGHT 59 Dickens is stopped outside of Hatchard’s. In the store window a sign advertises “A New Christmas Book by Mr. Dickens. Order Now and Avoid Disappointment.” Dickens peers through the window lost in thought. Suddenly, a POSSE of Characters from the book appears behind him, Scrooge amongst them, staring in at the window. SCROOGE (to Cratchit) In stores by Christmas? That will be a miracle. The posse sniggers. DICKENS Go away. SCROOGE Three flops in a row. Up to your eyeballs in debt. I’d think you’d be glad of some advice. The POSSE nods in agreement. DICKENS All right. I’ve had a few flops, what of it? I’m still young. It’s not as if I-- The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 69

Suddenly the surrounding area falls into darkness as the gas lamps dim one by one. Scrooge turns pale as shadows take over the street. Dickens turns to see the POSSE and SCROOGE staring at a dark STATUE across the road. Slowly the statue comes to life, its robes float eerily in the wind, giving form to a terrifying Phantom, its face obscured by a hood. (The GHOST OF CHRISTMAS YET-TO-COME). Dickens and Scrooge exchange fearful looks. DICKENS (CONT’D) Are we in the presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come? The Spirit nods. SCROOGE (to Dickens) Why doesn’t he speak? DICKENS Shhh. (to Ghost) You are here to show us the shadows of the things that have not happened but will happen, is that so? The Spirit slowly raises a shrouded arm and points down the street, the giant shadow of its finger comes to a stop at a small door. SCROOGE (whispering to Dickens) Where does it want us to go? DICKENS I think I know. With that he heads towards the door, SCROOGE and the POSSE following. SCROOGE I have a bad feeling about this. DICKENS (O.S.) They entered poor Bob Cratchit’s house and found the mother and the children seated round the fire. 60 INT. STUDY/CRATCHIT HOUSE - LATER IN NIGHT 60 Mrs. Cratchit and the children, dressed in black, huddle together by the fire. Tiny Tim is not among them. We see his lonely crutch leaning against the fireplace. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 70

DICKENS (V.O.) Then Bob came in the door. MRS. CRATCHIT You went today, then Robert? To the cemetery? Cratchit struggles to be cheerful as he enters the room. CRATCHIT Yes, my dear. I wish you could have gone to see how green a place it is. But you’ll see it often. I promised him that I would walk there on a Sunday. He smiles through his tears. CRATCHIT (CONT’D) My little child. My little, little child! His voice cracks and he covers his eyes. TARA Oh no! The characters freeze. Scrooge shoots a look over his shoulder, TO REVEAL THE SCENE IS TAKING PLACE IN DICKENS STUDY SCROOGE Rude! Tara has been listening to the story, her eyes wide with emotion. TARA Is Tiny Tim dead? SCROOGE Of course he is. Imbecile. DICKENS (gently) He was very ill. SCROOGE You can’t save every child in London. DICKENS And the family has no money for a doctor. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 71

Tara is becoming upset. TARA Then Scrooge must save him. Scrooge is taken aback. SCROOGE Me? Dickens looks from one to the other. DICKENS But he wouldn’t- TARA Why? DICKENS He’s too selfish. TARA He can change. There’s good in him somewhere, I know it. Scrooge rolls his eyes. SCROOGE People don’t change. DICKENS He’s been this way for a long time. I’m not sure he can change. TARA Of course he can. He’s not a monster. DICKENS I don’t - he isn’t - SCROOGE Thought this was a ghost story. Not a fairy tale. TARA He wouldn’t let Tiny Tim die, Mr. Dickens. He has a heart, doesn’t he? It would be too wicked. Even for him. Dickens stares at them a moment, now plagued with doubt. FLASHBACK The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 72

60A INT. WARREN’S BLACKING - CONTINUOUS 60A Inside the noisy, squalid factory, Young Charles is led by a Foreman to a score of pale-faced, miserable-looking CHILDREN, all of them busy pasting labels on bottles or packing them in casks. FOREMAN Boys. This here is Charlie Dickens. And what was it you was just telling me, lad? About your Dad? Young Charles draws himself up proudly. YOUNG CHARLES My father is a gentleman. The boys jeer. Young Charles flushes with embarrassment. One of the boys, POLL, calls out. POLL Where is he, then? Dining with the queen? Another boy calls out. BOY I ‘eard he’s in the stone jug. FOREMAN Hush, you lot. Where’s your manners? The Foreman addresses him with elaborate politeness. FOREMAN (CONT’D) Master Dickens. Perhaps you would be so good as to join us at work? If you’ve nothing better to do? The Foreman thrusts him down hard onto the work bench. Young Charles looks around, miserable, at his surroundings. FOREMAN (CONT’D) No shirking here. A rat scuttles nearby, to reveal a sheer drop to the giant blacking VATS below. Poll sits down beside him and hisses at him. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 72A

POLL You’re no better than me, cocker. You’d best learn that. BACK TO The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 73

61 INT. DICKEN STUDY - NIGHT 61 Dickens sits at his desk. He looks at the clock. It’s the middle of the night. He once again goes through his ritual of straightening everything on his desk. He tidies his manuscript, picks up his pen, dips it in ink, then stares at the paper. There is a racket in the hallway outside the door. MR. DICKENS (O.S.) 'Tis now the very witching time of night, MRS. DICKENS (O.S.) Shhh, dear. Mr. and Mrs. Dickens are in the hallway outside the door. MR. DICKENS (O.S.) When churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out— Scrooge appears. SCROOGE Shakespeare. Now there’s a man who could write. I doubt he ever had a blockage. MR. DICKENS (O.S.) Now could I drink hot blood! Dickens grips his hair in frustration. SCROOGE (egging dickens on) Self-preservation is the first law of nature. That’s just a fact. Dickens throws open the door to find Mr. Dickens, drunkenly negotiating the stairs with the help of Mrs. Dickens. MRS. DICKENS That’s right dear. Just a few more steps. MR. DICKENS “Oh, heart lose not thy nature; let not ever the soul of Nero-- Mr. Dickens sees Charles and attempts to regain his posture. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 73A

MR. DICKENS (CONT’D) Oh. Good evening, Charles. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 74

Mrs. Dickens is a little afraid of her son. MRS. DICKENS We’ll get him straight into bed, Charles, dear. We were up the river to Kew and I think perhaps it was too long a day. DICKENS Kew! What about your newspaper article? MR. DICKENS Article? DICKENS The one you’re writing on the Bank Charter Act? It’s been over a month. Mr. Dickens shifts, uncomfortably. MR. DICKENS Oh, that. As it happens, the editor was not able to— that is to say— due to pecuniary involvements of a complicated nature— he found it necessary to— to cancel the commission. DICKENS So. No newspaper article. MR. DICKENS However, I rejoice to say that I have every hope of something turning up — Dickens sees Scrooge hovering behind him, scowling. DICKENS I think it’s time you went back to Devon, Father. Beat. MR. DICKENS Indeed. DICKENS As soon as possible. MR. DICKENS Of course, dear boy. We shall catch the afternoon train tomorrow. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 75

He stumbles and nearly falls, but is caught by Tara. MR. DICKENS (CONT’D) (with dignity) Thank you, my dear. Here-- He fumbles in his pocket for a coin. MR. DICKENS (CONT’D) Let me give you something for your trouble. TARA That’s all right, sir. MR. DICKENS You’re very kind. They move away. MR. DICKENS (CONT’D) (to Tara) No-one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another. Remember that, Tara. TARA I will, sir. Mrs. Dickens gives Dickens a reproachful look. MRS. DICKENS Don’t be hard on him, Charlie. You don’t know what he’s been through. DICKENS Don’t I? MRS. DICKENS He feels it all, you know. He would never tell you, but he feels it all. MR. DICKENS (O.S.) Ride on! Ride on over all obstacles and win the race! Dickens turns back to his study. Scrooge is smug. SCROOGE That’s it. Blood of iron, heart of ice. Now maybe we can finish this thing. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 75A

Off Dickens his face. Lost. CUT TO: 62 OMIT 62 63 OMIT 63 64 OMIT 64 65 INT. STUDY - DAY 65 Dickens sits at his desk, staring straight ahead. In the room, the characters (including Cratchit, Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig), lounge around, like actors on a break. Some knitting or doing the crossword. Dickens picks up a pen, and the characters look up hopefully. DICKENS All right, let’s run it again. From the scene with Scrooge’s debtors. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 76

The characters groan. Scrooge, lying on the chaise, looks over with disdain. SCROOGE What’s the point? DICKENS The point? SCROOGE We keep stopping at the same place. DICKENS Because I’m working out the ending. SCROOGE Admit it. You’re blocked. DICKENS I’m not blocked. SCROOGE Now if you’d take my advice-- DICKENS I am the author here. SCROOGE (mutters) Allegedly. Beat. DICKENS I’m going out. All the characters get to their feet. DICKENS (CONT’D) Alone! The characters fall back, silent. 66 INT. GARRICK CLUB - DAY 66 Dickens finds Forster at a table, scribbling in a notebook. DICKENS Forster. I need your help. Forster grabs his coat in alarm. FORSTER What is it? The children? The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 77

DICKENS What? No. The children are fine. Forster sits back down. Dickens glances at the notebook Forster has been writing in. DICKENS (CONT’D) Candle/scandal... flirt/hurt... Charlotte/Poor heart. My God, is it a poem? It’s atrocious. What’s got into you? Forster rushes to snatch the paper away. FORSTER You look terrible. Is something wrong? DICKENS It’s the book. I’m having trouble with one of the characters. He looks out the window again where the entire CAST OF CHARACTERS from the book are standing, looking up at him. DICKENS (CONT’D) Several of them, actually. FORSTER What exactly is the problem? Dickens picks away at Forster’s dinner. DICKENS CONT’D) The problem is, could a man as mean- spirited, as evil as Scrooge— could he become a different person overnight? FORSTER What is so evil about him? DICKENS Well, he’s a miser. FORSTER That doesn’t make him evil. It just makes him cheap. DICKENS No, but he worships money. It’s the only thing that matters to him. FORSTER Why? The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 78

DICKENS Because... he has nothing else. FORSTER No friends? No family? DICKENS No-one he trusts. FORSTER Why? DICKENS I suppose he’s afraid— FORSTER Of? Dickens struggles to answer. DICKENS Of- being found out. FORSTER What? THACKERAY (O.S.) Hullo, chaps. Thackeray appears at the table. FORSTER Thackeray. THACKERAY Charles! Haven’t seen anything of yours in print for ages. Don’t tell me you have a blockage! DICKENS Not in the least. I’m neck and heels into a Christmas book! Thackeray is flummoxed. THACKERAY What the deuce is that? DICKENS A story about Christmas. For Christmas. THACKERAY A story about—? Ha ha! How amusing... Well. (MORE) The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 79

THACKERAY (CONT'D) Best of luck with it! Oh! Did you hear? My last book has come out in a Railway edition. Sold ten thousand copies. In one week! “There’s gold in them thar hills” as your American friends would say. He wafts away. Dickens and Forster exchange looks. FORSTER Let’s go somewhere else and get a real drink. 67 EXT. THE GREEN HOG - NIGHT 67 Forster and Dickens stumble out of a bar, laughing. Forster sings, in a thick North Country accent— FORSTER “She's a big lass, she's a bonny lass, an she likes her beer An I call her Cushie Butterfield an I wish she was here.” DICKENS What language is that? FORSTER I am a Geordie! And we are Gods! Dickens gapes around him in confusion. DICKENS Where are we? FORSTER Hungerford Stairs. Phew. Smell the river? What’s that? Dickens recoils at the sight of the Warren’s Blacking Factory looming out of the swirling fog. DICKENS (bitterly) A grave yard. FORSTER It’s the old Warren’s Factory. I wonder they haven’t torn it down yet. DICKENS Or burnt it. I might do it myself one night. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 80

FORSTER Why? What have you got against boot blacking? Forster looks at a pale and sweaty Dickens. FORSTER (CONT’D) Charles? What is it? Dickens looks at Forster, a strange expression on his face. DICKENS I -- I have this recurring nightmare. FORSTER Oh, nightmares. I have one where I’m being chased by a giant badger. What’s yours? Beat. DICKENS Never mind. FORSTER Right. Time to go home. DICKENS I can’t. FORSTER Why? Dickens is becoming emotional. DICKENS The book - I can’t -- The characters - won’t do what I want. ... I’m afraid. FORSTER Of what? DICKENS That if I don’t finish it, I’ll never write again. FORSTER Go home, marra. Get some sleep. DICKENS I don’t want to. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 81

FORSTER Don’t be daft. Your wife will be worried sick. DICKENS My wife— doesn’t understand me— Forster puts his arm heavily on his friend’s shoulder. FORSTER I’ve got news for you, marra. None of us understand you! You’re a freak of nature. I’m exhausted spending two hours in your company. ...Go on home, now. It’s cowld, the night. Go home. I’ll see you in the morning. He leaves. Dickens stares at the building. He takes a few drunken steps towards it, then turns and flees. 68 EXT. DICKENS HOUSE - NIGHT 68 Dickens goes to let himself in the front door. He glances down and sees someone rooting through the dust bin. Dickens rushes down to the vagrant who is going through his rubbish. DICKENS Here, you, what are you up to? The man turns around. MR. DICKENS Hello, Charlie. His father. DICKENS Father? What are you doing here? MR. DICKENS I - I had some business to attend to, so I thought I’d— DICKENS You just left town! What business could you possibly have— Dickens notices the piece of paper in his hands and grabs it. It's a letter with his own signature on it, crumpled and discarded. DICKENS (CONT’D) What were you going to do with that? The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 82

His father looks sheepish. DICKENS (CONT’D) You were going to sell it, weren’t you? MR. DICKENS It's no good to you, is it? DICKENS This is what you’ve been doing? Going through the rubbish like a tramp? Selling bits and pieces of me. Is that your business? Look at me. Aren’t you ashamed? Mr. Dickens doesn’t respond. DICKENS (CONT’D) I bought you a house and furnished it myself. I give you an allowance. What more could you possibly need? MR. DICKENS Oh, reason not the need! His voice rises. MR. DICKENS (CONT’D) You see me here, you gods, a poor old man— DICKENS No. Stop. Mr. Dickens can’t look his son in the eye. MR. DICKENS You don't know what it's like, Charlie. To be poor. To be nothing. Dickens fury is incandescent— DICKENS Not know? Not know? At eleven years old I was made to know it— Working twelve hours a day, going hungry, wandering the streets all alone and afraid— Mr. Dickens attempts to respond, but is cut off by Dickens. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 83

DICKENS (CONT’D) Because your father— who is supposed to care for you— is so utterly thriftless-- Mr. Dickens weeps. MR. DICKENS Dear boy. Don’t— I beg you. DICKENS No. You are not the victim here. This is about me. And Fanny. It’s about all of us. We’ve lived our whole lives in the shadow of your recklessness. Dickens stares at his father, weeping in the street. DICKENS (CONT’D) Go away. I’m sickened at the sight of you. You are nothing but a drag and chain upon my life. I owe you nothing. Go. Dickens goes in the house and shuts the door firmly behind him. Then leans against it, breathing heavily. 69 INT. PARLOUR - NEXT DAY 69 Forster, is listening while Dickens reads the manuscript aloud. DICKENS “....Are these the shadows of the things that Will be, or are they shadows of the things that May be only?’” He looks up. DICKENS (CONT’D) And that’s as far as I got. Beat. FORSTER It’s brilliant. DICKENS Are you pulling my leg? FORSTER No. I promise you. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 84

DICKENS Well... that’s... encouraging— FORSTER My only criticism— Forster stops himself. DICKENS Yes? FORSTER —Tiny Tim— Dickens stares at him. DICKENS What about him? FORSTER Are you really going to let him die? DICKENS Why? What’s the problem? FORSTER Well, it’s a Christmas book. Shouldn’t it be hopeful? Isn’t that what Christmas is about? The hope that, in the end, our better natures will prevail? Beat. DICKENS You were the one who made me kill off Little Nell. FORSTER I stand by that decision. DICKENS My readers implored me— FORSTER But this is different. If Tiny Tim dies, then what’s the point? DICKENS This isn’t a fairy tale. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 85

FORSTER As mean as Scrooge is, he still has a heart. Doesn’t he deserve a second chance? Beat. DICKENS Thank you, Forster— FORSTER You’re welcome— DICKENS —for reminding me why I never ask your opinion on my work. FORSTER You ask me for my opinion all the time. DICKENS Your services are no longer required. FORSTER You can’t sack me. DICKENS Why? FORSTER Because – I don’t work for you. I do what I do as a friend. DICKENS Good day, Mr. Forster. Forster gets to his feet, heavily. FORSTER Right... (turning back) See you Friday, will I?

70 INT. STUDY - NIGHT 70 The characters have taken over every inch of it. Cratchit and The Pieman, are drinking tea by the window. Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig are playing cards. There’s an atmosphere of gloom. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 85A

A CHARWOMAN sits by the fire with her feet up on the hob. As Dickens enters the room she glances over at him with mild interest. CHARWOMAN Who’s that, then? Scrooge, dozing on the sofa, opens an eye. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 86

SCROOGE Nobody. The author. CHARWOMAN No wonder he looks so depressed. Dickens picks up the manuscript and flips through it. DICKENS All right. That’s enough. Let’s get back to work. SCROOGE (to Cratchit) God bless us, everyone... They titter together like children. DICKENS Why are you so miserable? SCROOGE What else can I be, when I live in such a world of fools as this. DICKENS Mean-spirited, cynical – SCROOGE Take a look in the mirror sometime. DICKENS Me? SCROOGE “Is that a new candle, Kate?” “Your services are no longer required.” “I’m sickened at the sight of you.” Hypocrite. A knock at the door stops him from replying. Dickens throws it open, furious. Tara is there with a cup of cocoa. TARA Pardon me, sir. Mrs. Dickens sent me — DICKENS This is intolerable. Dickens calls down the hall. DICKENS (CONT’D) Mrs. Fisk? The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 87

Mrs. Fisk appears. MRS. FISK Yes, sir? DICKENS Take this child away from here and see that she doesn’t disturb me ever again. Do you hear me? MRS. FISK Yes, sir. Come on, girl. Tara is mortified. Head down, she scurries down the stairs. Back in the room, Scrooge raises his arms above his head in triumph. SCROOGE Yes! Banish her! Banish them all! DICKENS Be quiet-- SCROOGE Humanity’s great benefactor? Humbug! DICKENS Shut it. Or I’ll make you bald. With bad teeth. SCROOGE Go ahead. It won’t change a thing. You still won’t have an ending. Scrooge crosses his arms defiantly. He looks at the others: they follow suit. DICKENS This is ridiculous. You’re all being ridiculous. They continue to stare him down. In a sudden movement, Dickens picks up the glass inkwell and throws it at the fireplace, where it shatters. The room instantly empties of characters. DICKENS (CONT’D) Come on then. Coward. Fight me. Fight me. Come out. If you be a man. Come out and fight! The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 88

71 INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT 71 Kate stares at the ceiling, as Dickens rails away in the study. DICKENS (O.S.) Come out. If you be a man. Come out and fight! She is clearly disturbed.

72 INT. DICKENS STUDY - MORNING 72 Dickens wakes with a start and looks around. The room is a disaster. Papers everywhere. Ink staining the wall. His glance falls on the Penny Dreadful that Tara left behind, with its lurid cover of Varney the Vampire. He stares at it a moment. DICKENS Tara! He goes to the door and bellows down the stairs. DICKENS (CONT’D) Tara! 73 INT. DICKENS HOUSE. DINING ROOM - MORNING 73 The children are at breakfast with Kate. Mrs Fisk is there too. The mood is sombre. Dickens appears, his clothes awry, full of an edgy energy. DICKENS Whatever is the matter? CHARLEY Tara. Charley bursts into tears. DICKENS What about her? CHARLEY She’s gone. DICKENS On whose authority? The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 88A

KATE You asked Mrs. Fisk to take her away. DICKENS (to Mrs Fisk) Then go and search for her. Rehire her at once. MRS. FISK An Irish orphan in London? It would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 89

Dickens eyes blaze. He turns on Kate. DICKENS Why didn’t you stop her? KATE How was I to know you didn’t mean it? You said— DICKENS I say a lot of things that are nonsense. It’s what happens when I’m working. KATE Charles. DICKENS You knew, when you married me, what I was like: how ideas take possession of me. KATE I did. But you don’t know what it’s like to live with you, always walking on eggshells, trying to guess your mood, to know which of your commands is a whim and which is in earnest. Sometimes I think your characters matter more to you than your own flesh and blood. DICKENS I am who I am. KATE And who is that? It’s as if there are two of you, Charles. One that is good and kind, and a secret self, that no-one is allowed to know or question. Dickens stares at her a moment, then storms out of the room. 73A INT. STUDY - DAY 73A Dickens, heads back into the study, distraught. He catches himself in the mirror. We hear sounds of squealing rats, quietly as first, but as they build up... 74 OMIT 74 75 OMIT 75 76 OMIT 76 The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 90

77 OMIT 77 78 OMIT 78 79 OMIT 79 80 OMIT 80 81 OMIT 81 82 OMIT 82 FLASHBACK: 83 INT. WARREN’S BLACKING FACTORY - DAY 83 Young Charles is sitting at his bench, looking frail. His clothes are torn and dirty. His eyes are hollow. A ragged cough shakes his body. Young Charles chants to himself, to keep from crying. YOUNG CHARLES Blood of iron, heart of ice. Blood of iron, heart of ice. ... POLL (O.S.) Got a present for the young gent’lmun. Seeing as it’s Christmas. Young Charles, open his eyes to see one of the older boys, POLL, approaching, hands behind his back. In a sudden movement, he flings a DEAD RAT at him. The other boys laugh. With a howl of rage, Young Charles launches himself at Poll. But Poll easily pushes him away. POLL (CONT’D) You’re no better than me, cocker, and you know it. The other boys gather round to cheer as Poll commences pummelling Young Charles. BACK TO: The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 91

83A INT STUDY - DAY 83A Dickens picks up the manuscript, then tosses it into the wastebasket in disgust. Then abruptly storms out of the room, off to confront his demons. 84 OMIT 84 85 EXT. WARRENS BLACKING FACTORY 85 Dickens stands outside decrepit Warren’s Blacking Factory. Slowly, fearfully, he pulls a board off a door and peers inside. 86 INT. WARREN’S BLACKING FACTORY - NIGHT 86 Dickens walks through the dusty, abandoned warehouse, remembering. In his imagination, he hears the SOUNDS of SQUEAKING RATS. Of boys LAUGHING. In the basement, he finds a low bench beneath the window on which are a few dusty POTS OF SHOE-BLACKING. Scrooge materializes behind him holding a lamp. SCROOGE ‘ello, Charlie. Dickens turns to see him. SCROOGE (CONT’D) So. This is your miserable secret. The famous author, the inimitable Charles Dickens, was once a scabby little factory boy. DICKENS Leave me be. SCROOGE A common bit of riffraff, living on scraps, a squalid wretch of no worth to anyone— Dickens lunges at Scrooge, grabbing at thin air, he falls to the ground, his face reflected across a broken mirror lying on the floor. Scrooge looms over Dickens. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 92

SCROOGE (CONT’D) Look! What do you see there? Hmm? A nothing. A nobody. A debtor’s son. Who could ever care for you? Certainly not your father. He abandoned you. Dickens struggles to his feet, putting distance between him and Scrooge. DICKENS He didn’t -- he -- It wasn’t his fault. A rotten railing blocking his path. Dickens looks down at a sheer drop into a huge empty blacking vat below. The railing gives way, the squeal of a thousand rats disturbed by the falling woodwork. SCROOGE He failed you. Again and again. You said it yourself. Nothing but a drag and chain upon your life. Dickens turn to look at the fall below. Dickens looks at Scrooge in horror. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 93

DICKENS Who are you? Scrooge advances on him, holding his lamp high, forcing Dickens to back up against the sheer drop. SCROOGE You know me, Charlie. I’m hunger. I’m cold. I’m darkness.... I’m the shadow on your thoughts, the crack in your heart, the stain on your soul... And I will never leave you. Dickens holds up his hands as if to block Scrooge’s words. DICKENS Go away. SCROOGE But we’re having such fun. (beat) People don’t change, Charlie. DICKENS They can. They do. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 94

SCROOGE Lies. Look around. You’re still that scabby boy. No use to anyone. Just like your father. DICKENS (enraged) No... Dickens take a sharp breath in. His eyes blaze. DICKENS (CONT’D) “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another.” SCROOGE Eh? DICKENS (emboldened) My father taught me that. Scrooge turns to see an empty grave, with a blank HEADSTONE in the middle of the warehouse floor. Scrooge nervously edges towards it. SCROOGE (confused) Whose grave it that? There’s no name on the headstone. DICKENS Why should there be? The man to whom this grave belongs never made himself useful to anyone but himself. No friends. No family. Never felt love, or joy, or took any kind of pleasure in life... It’s time. Mr. Scrooge. We’ve come to the end-- Scrooge unnerved, turns back to Dickens only to see an earth wall where Dickens was stood. Turning again and then again he realizes he is surrounded by earth walls. Looking up he sees the blank headstone. He realizes he is now inside the empty grave. Dickens appears above, framed by the blacking factory ceiling. Suddenly the walls of the grave start closing in on Scrooge. SCROOGE Please. - I- don’t want to die like this, alone, unloved, forgotten. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 94A

DICKENS Too late. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 95

SCROOGE Never too late! Oh, never too late. Please. I’ll change. The grave walls keep closing. SCROOGE (CONT’D) —- I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present and the Future. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. He looks directly at Dickens, imploring him. SCROOGE (CONT’D) Give me another chance. I beg you. Let me do some good before I die. The walls stop closing, a beat, then they start opening. Scrooge is delighted, laughing, crying as the walls pull back. He smiles, genuinely transformed. Dickens smiles back. DICKENS And so we come to the last chapter. Somewhere, a church bell CHIMES twelve o’clock. Dickens looks around, shocked to discover that the warehouse is empty and he is all alone. He lets out a sharp breath. 87 OMIT 87 88 INT. DICKENS STUDY - NIGHT 88 He enters taking a deep, steadying breath, then goes over to his desk and pulls out a new sheet of paper. He writes: “Stave Five: The End of It.” 89 INT. DICKENS STUDY - EARLY MORNING 89 Early morning light filters in through the windows as Dickens bends over his writing, his pen SCRATCHING AWAY: DICKENS (V.O.) Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim who did not die, he was a second father. And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless us every one!... The End. Dickens bundles up the manuscript and rushes downstairs. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 96

90 EXT/INT. DICKENS HOUSE - MORNING 90 Dickens rushes to the front door, manuscript in hand. Kate appears in the doorway. KATE Charles? There’s someone here to see you. DICKENS Not now, Kate. I have to get this to the printers before nine o’clock- 91 OMIT 91 92 OMIT 92 93 OMIT 93 94 OMIT 94 95 INT. PARLOUR - DAY 95 Tara is laughing and playing with the children. DICKENS Tara? How did you -- TARA It were Mr. Dickens sir. He heard you were looking for me. Dickens looks at Kate. KATE Your father makes it his business to know things about people. Tara hands him back his book, Aladdin. TARA Thank you for the loan. DICKENS Did you like it? Tara brightens. TARA Oh, yes, sir. It was fizzing. This delights Dickens. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 97

DICKENS Fizzing! Delightful. You must read Robinson Crusoe next. Tara looks at him, in surprise. DICKENS (CONT’D) Tara. I’m sorry for sending you away. It was a mistake. Will you stay? Tara nods, moved. Dickens smiles. DICKENS (CONT’D) And by the way, you were right about Tiny Tim. He doesn’t die. Scrooge helps him to get better. TARA Of course. And doesn’t he help Scrooge get better, too? DICKENS He does. He does, indeed. Dickens looks at the mantelpiece, where a magic lantern is sitting. DICKENS (CONT’D) Where did that come from? KATE A gift. For the children. From your father. DICKENS He was here? KATE You can still catch him if-- Dickens hesitates, then stuffs the manuscript into his jacket as he rushes towards the door, turns around abruptly, grabs Kate and kisses her. DICKENS Kate-- KATE I know, you don’t deserve me. Go. He rushes out of the house. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 98

96 EXT. TRAIN STATION - DAY 96 Outside the station, Dickens’ cab pulls up. He jumps out and dashes past an enterprising VENDOR who is attempting to interest the passersby in his selection of “Christmas trees”. VENDOR ...the very latest, the same as what’s in the Queen’s own drawing room... 97 INT. TRAIN STATION - DAY 97 Dickens enters the station and sees his father and mother on the platform about to get on the train. He leaps over the barrier and runs towards them. CONDUCTOR (O.S.) Last call. All aboard. DICKENS Stop! A CONSTABLE sees him and blows his whistle. CONSTABLE Stop! Mr. and Mrs. Dickens, just getting on the train, turn to see their son running along the platform. DICKENS What do you think you are doing? MRS. DICKENS Please, dear. Don’t make a scene. We’re going away. DICKENS Oh, no you don’t. CONSTABLE Hi! You! Mr. Dickens sees the Constable, rushing to catch up to them. MR. DICKENS What have I done? DICKENS Done? It’s what you haven’t done. Mrs. Dickens flinches. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 99

MR. DICKENS I don’t understand— Dickens laughs, a touch maniacally. DICKENS Who is going to carve the turkey? (to his mother) Who is going to make the Christmas pudding? It won’t be the same without you? Mrs. Dickens softens. MRS. DICKENS Oh, the pudding. The secret is to warm the treacle first. Mr. Dickens turns to his wife. MR. DICKENS There you see, my dear? I told you something would turn up. MRS. DICKENS (through tears) You did, you did. Dickens laughs again, joyfully. He embraces them warmly. The Constable has finally caught up with them. His eyes widen in astonishment. CONSTABLE You’re that Charles Dickens. DICKENS Guilty. CONSTABLE I’m a huge fan. DICKENS Thank you. CONSTABLE That last one. Chuzzlewit. Wept like a baby, I did. DICKENS Well, that’s very— What is your name, Constable? CONSTABLE My name? Copperfield, Sir. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 100

Dickens whips out his notebook of names. DICKENS Copperfield? Interesting. CONSTABLE Any chance of a new book soon? DICKENS Eh? Dickens suddenly pats his coat, remembering the Christmas Carol manuscript stuffed in his jacket. He pulls it out and rushes for a cab. 97A EXT TRAIN STATION - DAY 97A Manuscript in hand , Dickens runs out of the train station, jumps in a cab. DICKENS Shoe Lane. And hurry. 97B EXT PRINTERS - DAY 97B Dickens arrives at the printer, just as the clock is striking ten. Forster is waiting for him on the street. FORSTER Charles. Where have you been? I’ve been waiting here for an hour. DICKENS It’s all right. I have the manuscript. He pulls it out of his coat pocket. Several pages go flying in the wind. DICKENS (CONT’D) No! Forster and Dickens go chasing after the pages. A couple of PASSERSBY stop to help. 97C INT. PRINTERS - DAY 97C Forster and Dickens run through the halls, past the noisy press room, past the bookbinding room, to the Composing room. A cranky, ink-stained compositor (MR. GRUB) is just setting up when the two men arrive, out of breath, with the manuscript. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 100A

FORSTER Mr. Grub! We’re here. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 101

The compositor starts and drops a line of type on the floor. DICKENS I have the ending! You can finish it now. MR GRUB It’s too late. FORSTER Come on. You’ve already printed the other four chapters. It’s just one more. Please. Grub struggles with this. MR GRUB I can’t guarantee anything. DICKENS Thank you. Thank you! MR GRUB (sourly) I didn’t say I could do it. 97D INT. GARRICK CLUB - DAY 97D Dickens waits nervously. He straightens at the sight of Forster, making his way through the crowded room. Finally, he arrives at the table. DICKENS Well? For God’s sake man, don’t prolong the agony. Forster pulls out a package, wrapped in gold paper and tied with a bright red ribbon and hands it to Dickens. Dickens opens it carefully. Inside is the book. The cover is red, the title stamped in gold: A Christmas Carol, By Charles Dickens. Dickens handles it with awe, turning the pages slowly. DICKENS (CONT’D) It’s exactly as I’d imagined it. THACKERAY (O.S.) Hello, gents. Extraordinary weather, isn’t it? Looks like snow. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 102

Dickens Thackeray. Thackeray holds up a galley copy of the Christmas Carol. THACKERAY What’s this I have? Why, it’s your new book. I’m going to review it for this evening’s Spectator. I’m told you wrote it in only six weeks, Charles? What a prodigy you are! Thackeray throws himself into a nearby armchair, opening the book with a flourish. Dickens and Forster exchange looks. 98 INT. DICKENS HOUSE/PARLOUR - NIGHT 98 Through the parlour windows we see the first Christmas snowfall. The gleaming new chandelier takes pride of place next to a Christmas tree as a splendid party is underway. Fanny, Henry Sr. and Junior are there, watching as Mr. Dickens, dressed as a conjuror, does some magic tricks for Tara and the children. Mrs. Dickens chatters away to an uncomprehending Signor Mazzini. Mrs. Fisk has been into the punch. MRS. FISK (humming to herself....)

Kate appears. KATE Good heavens, what is that? DICKENS The Germans call it a Tannenbaum. Now that the royal family has one, it’s going to be all the rage. Grip, the raven, flies onto a branch and eyes Mrs. Fisk. GRIP Halloa, old girl. Halloa. Forster arrives, a blushing Charlotte in tow. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 103

KATE Miss Wigmore! Charlotte holds up her hand to show off her engagement ring. CHARLOTTE Papa had a change of heart. Forster brandishes a newspaper. FORSTER Charles, I think you’ll want to hear this. It’s by Thackeray. DICKENS Not now please, Forster... FORSTER (ignoring charles) “It was a blessed inspiration that put such a book into the head of Charles Dickens...a happy inspiration of the heart, that warms every page. It is impossible to read without a glowing bosom and burning cheeks, between love and shame of our kind....” The group applauds. Smiling, Dickens holds up a glass of punch: DICKENS Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. He smiles at Kate. DICKENS (CONT’D) ...and those on the way. A toast: I wish you all many merry Christmases, friendships, great accumulation of cheerful recollections and heaven at last for all of us. At that moment, Grip sees an opportunity and flies up the staircase towards Dickens’ study. We follow him... 99 INT. DICKENS STUDY - NIGHT 99 GRIP lands on the desk, revealing a happy Scrooge and the POSSE flicking through the newly printed book, giggling at the Leech print of the Fezziwigs. The Man Who Invented Christmas Yellow Revisions January 8, 2016 104

DICKENS (V.O.) In the season of hope, we will shut out nothing from our firesides and everyone will be welcome. Taking off once again GRIP flies through the open window and out over the chimney tops of London... 100 EXT. HATCHARD’S BOOKSTORE - NIGHT 100 ... Grip lands on the Hatchard’s sign. DICKENS (V.O.) Welcome what has been and what is, and what we hope may be, to this shelter underneath the holly. Happy, happy Christmas to one and all. Below, a line-up of people trail down the street and around the corner, waiting to purchase their copy of The Carol. We move up and up to reveal the wide snow filled streets of a beautiful bustling Dickensian Christmas world. FADE OUT.

THE END